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TElvI. US, MY UAD, JUST HOW YOU CAME TO EEARN OF CAPTAIN HARDY’S EVIE INTENTIONS TOWARD US 

SAID JAMES.— N(f<? page 37. 



THE ADVENTURE 
S E ’ R I E S 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S 
ADVENTURES 


ALASKA 



WITH SIXTEEN FULL-PAGE 
HALFTONE ILLUSTRATIONS 


J. H. YKWDAEE & SONS CO., Publishers 

MILWAUKEE I903 


WISCONSIN 



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CONTENTS 


CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. Joe Farrell Arrives from Alaska 5 

II. Captain Hardy Plots Again 13 

III. Our Friends Start for Alaska 21 

IV. Fdward Barry Warns James 31 

V. Edward Plays Detective 40 ' 

VI. Our Friends Grief -Stricken 51 

VII. Edward’s Strange Experience 59 

VIII. Our Friends Reach Alaska 68 

IX. Off for the Great Chilkoot Pass 78 

X. What Has Become of Francis? 88 

XI. Francis’ Terrible Experience 93 

XII. James Hears of Edward’s Father 102 

XIII. Curious Incidents on the Trail Ill 

XIV. Rescuing a Goldseeker 119 

XV. Reach Lake Linderman and Build a Boat 126 

XVI. Up Wild Rivers and Across the Lakes 143 

XVII. Edward’s Remarkable Work 151 

XVIII. Over the Mountains of Alaska 159 

XIX. Wm. Barry and the Indians’ Prisoners. 169 

XX. James and His Friends to the Rescue 178 

XXI. Our Friends Have Many Surprises 188 

XXII. James’ Father Goes to the Copper River 

Country 197 

XXIII. A Happy Meeting 226 

XXIV. Captain Hardy and the Cipher 232 

XXV. Mr. Barry Suffers a Great Loss 241 

XXVI. Our Friends in Camp 248 

XXVII. Going Down the Copper River 256 

XXVIII. A Startling Discovery 263 

XXIX. The Return Home 273 


INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE. 

*‘Tell us, my lad, just how you came to learn of Captain 

Hardy’s evil intentions toward us,” said James . . Frontispiece 
“Why, Mr. Farrell!” exclaimed Helen, “what fair wind 

has driven you from Alaska?” 16 

Captain Hardy, who was narrowly watching the Griffin 

party, now arose and came forward 64 

^‘It’s Edward, as sure as I live!” exclaimed Joe 80 

James and Joe propelled their unicycle and the professor 

and Edward looked after the goat team 96 

Francis felt himself being carried over the uneven ground 112 
James quickly let himself down, saying that if anything 

was to be done, it must be done at once 128 

They hoisted their sail and enjoyed the delightful sen- 
sation of sailing over the frozen surface 144 

Just as the grand animal was nearing the bank, James let 

go 160 

Down below on the river’s bank they saw the straggling 

huts of Chief Stickman’s “ciwash” 176 

Some members of Chief Stickman’s tribe 192 

Decks of Excelsior and Newport 192 

Indian huts and miners’ tents 192 

Miners selling out and going home 192 

Foot of Valdes Glacier, taken one-third of a mile away. . . 208 

Part of Third Bench on Glacier 208 

April so ^ i8p8— Had to shovel our tent out of the snow, 
and it was 120 clock before we could get a fire for 

our breakfast 224 

But instead of finding the gold he had placed there, he 

saw that it was empty 240 

Our friends’ Alaska cabin 256 

Helen sewing in the Alaska cabin 256 

For some moments all looked on in silence, each occupied 

with his own thoughts 272 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 

IN ALASKA. 


CHAPTER 1. 

JOE FARRELL ARRIVES FROM ALASKA. 

There was great excitement in the summer of 
1897^ when the steamer Portland reached Seattle 
with the news of the great gold discoveries in the 
Klondyke. Thousands were at the wharf to see and 
hear all they could. People went wild at the rumors 
they heard, and every person who could possibly do 
so, was determined tO' go to the new Eldorado and 
share in the wealth that was said to lie under the 
hard, frozen ground. 

Among the passengers on board was Joe Farrell, 
but he avoided the crowds and reporters, and as 
soon as possible boarded a train and set out for San 

( 5 ) 


6 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


Francisco. Arriving there, he at once hastened 
to the business office of James Griffin on Market 
Street, and greatly^, astonished that gentleman, who 
was just then wondering how his old friend was get- 
ting along. 

“Where did you drop from, Joe?” exclaimed 
James, warmly grasping his hands. “This is a real 
pleasure!” 

“Just came from Seattle, where I arrived on the 
steamer Portland from. St. Michael’s. I’m glad to 
see you, James. You’ve grown wonderfully since 
last I saw you!” returned Joe admiringly. 

It was true. James Griffin was not the same im- 
petuous, reckless young man who was carried to sea 
and set ashore on a South Sea island six years be- 
fore. He was now a man of twenty-five years of 
age, more careful, but just as brave, and large 
and strong. He had taken the cares of business, 
from his father’s shoulders, and Mr. Griffin .was 
now traveling with Mrs. Griffin in Europe, and tak- 
ing a well-earned rest after several years of hard 
work. When Mr. Griffin returned from his ten 
years’ enforced residence upon an island in the 
South Pacific, he found that his business partner 


IN ALASKA. 


7 


and brother-in-law, Captain Hardy, had dissipated 
a great deal of his property, and it entailed much liti- 
gation to straighten out affairs. Then came the 
panic of 1893. Business was dull and the vessels he 
owned were sold at a sacrifice. Now James was in- 
terested in several mines, and was looking for other 
investments. 

The coming of Joe Farrell at this time was quite 
opportune. Joe had left San Francisco with a party 
of others five years before, and while prospecting in 
the neighborhood of Circle City, Alaska, the news 
came of the discovery of gold near where Dawson 
City now stands. He made the rush there with 
many others, and took up a claim on Forty-Mile 
Creek. 

“Well, Joe, what luck did you have?’' asked 
James, when the first greetings were over, and after 
Joe had asked about the health of Mr. and Mrs. 
Griffin and Helen. 

“I can’t complain,” answered Joe. “I’ve taken a 
claim that I feel sure will pan out well. But you 
know my circumstances, and it takes money tO' get 
out the yellow metal, not to mention the hard 
work.” 


8 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


“Well^ Joe, you know you can always depend 
upon me, and as I have nothing particular to keep 
me here. I’ve a notion to go to Alaska myself. Sev- 
eral of my friends are talking of going and I think 
we could make up an interesting party. There are 
undoubtedly chances to make a fortune, and if we 
dO' not strike it rich, there will be but a few hundv’ed 
dollars’ loss each. But let me hear about what a 
time you have had the past few years. I heard from 
you only twice while you were away.” 

Joe was not much of a letter-writer and would 
rather chop down a dozen trees than to “take his 
pen in hand.” Nor was he a ready talker, but he re- 
lated to James in a clear and concise manner all the 
important events since he left San Francisco. Joe 
had been doing a lot of prospecting, and when he 
ran out of c3sh and provisions, he readily found 
work in the mines at good wages. Thus year after 
year went by, but Joe did not get discouraged. He 
believed everything would come out all right if he 
had the patience to wait for the right time. Joe had 
undergone great hardships and privations, but he 
looked none the worse for all that. He really ap- 


IN ALASKA, 


9 


peared as young-looking as when he first left for the 
frigid north. 

His experience in Alaska would be of great ben- 
efit to the party, and James was sanguine that the 
trip would result profitably to all concerned. Joe 
knew the country well, and also knew just what 
equipage would be necessary, and what and how 
much food would be needed for a year’s stay in 
Alaska. 

James and Joe talked over matters, and at the 
end of several hours, James was fully determined to 
make the journey. 

“You must come with me, Joe, for supper, and 
remain with us until we leave for the north. Helen 
will be delighted to see you, but I am sure she will 
vigorously protest against my leaving her here. But 
I think we can arrange it all right. She is sensible 
and will undoubtedly resign herself to the situation.” 

Then James and Joe left the office, and boarded 
a street car for James’ home, out in the Mission. 

“Why, Mr. Farrell!” exclaimed Helen, “what fair 
wind has driven you from Alaska? I am so glad to 
see you, but I must scold you for never once writing 
to me! I was so anxious to hear from you since 


10 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 

reading so much in the papers about the great gold 
fields there. And to think that you just came from 
that wonderful country! Of course, you are going 
to return, and when you do, I should like to go too 
— ^James and I! He’s been talking of going ever 
since the news of the great gold discoveries.” 

James and Joe looked at each other with appre- 
hension. They both knew Helen had a determined 
way about her, and they also knew that she was 
courageous enough to undertake almost any hard- 
ship. A trip to Alaska meant a great deal, and 
James had no thought that Helen would care to 
venture on such a journey. Besides, he thought 
that it would greatly handicap a party to have his 
sister with him. 

“I will not consent that you undertake so danger- 
ous a journey,” said James. ‘‘You have no idea 
what you would encounter. Could you sleep on the 
snow at night, and climb for miles up the sides of 
precipitous mountains through thick underbrush? 
Could you stand it to travel all day in wet garments 
when it was 20 to 40 degrees below zero? Would 
you like to go hungry for days at a time? No, my 
dear Helen, Alaska is no place for a woman at pres- 


IN ALASKA. 


11 


ent, and you could never endure the overland jour- 
ney there. Your presence would also seriously ham- 
per the party.” 

James thought that he had dampened her ardor, 
but he was mistaken. 

‘^Oh, James, how delightful a picture you have 
drawn of your trip! You talk just as though you 
were courting Death. Instead of my proving a 
hindrance to the party, I am sure you will have rea- 
son to bless me every hour for being with you. 
After you men have worked hard all day, don’t you 
think it will be nice to have some one present to 
serve you all with tea or coffee, and dish up your 
provisions in a palatable manner? The greatest 
need in Alaska to-day, if I may judge by the news- 
papers, is the presence of women. There are no 
hardships that I would not cheerfully endure for 
your sake, James. Only the strongest-minded men 
can keep themselves clean and refined in that coun- 
try. The men work ten or twelve hours a day, 
standing up to their knees in water and mud, and 
under such circumstances they would welcome any 
woman who would have supper ready for them 
when they came to camp. You men will need the 


12 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


greatest care in your eating, if you desire tO' retain 
your strength. Don’t fear for me, James!” And 
Helen smiled so sweetly and appeared so well-in- 
formed and enthusiastic, that James decided that 
perhaps it would not be so bad after all to have her 
accompany them. 

“I am sure Mr. Farrell will not object to my 
going,” continued Helen. “He knows that I am no 
coward, and when it comes to undertaking any jour- 
ney or any hardship, that I will be the most cheerful 
one in the whole party.” 

“Should I offer any objections,”- returned Joe, “it 
would be only out of regard for your welfare, but as 
far as we are concerned, I am sure that your pres- 
ence would be a great delight to all.” 

Thus it was decided that Helen was to be a mem- 
ber of the party when they went tO' Alaska. 


IN ALASKA. 


13 


CHAPTER II. 

CAPTAIN HARDY PLOTS AGAIN. 

While James, Joe, and Helen were so cheerfully 
discussing a trip to the Klondyke, there were two 
men in Seattle also planning to go to Alaska. One 
was a thick-set man named John Hardy, the same 
Captain Hardy who was formerly a partner of Emil 
Griffin, James' father, and who had been sent to 
prison for several years for his high-handed method 
in kidnapping James and Helen six years before. 
He was now out of prison, having served his sen- 
tence, and he looked to the newly-discovered gold 
fields of Alaska to retrieve his fortunes. The other 
man was a fit associate of the captain. 

The two were determined to make the trip, and 
they felt sure that, by fair means or foul, they could 
in a few years return to civilization with a good load 
of yellow gold dust. 


14 


JAMES GRI FEINTS ADVENTURES 


They sat in one corner of a saloon and talked of 
their plans. 

“What do you think, Jack?” said Captain Hardy, 
“I saw Joe Farrell yesterday as he landed from the 
Portland. You know I have an old score against 
him, which I wish to pay off. I don’t doubt but 
that he has made a rich strike in Alaska, for I have 
heard that he has been there for a number of years. 
I’ll write toi a friend in San Francisco, and have him 
find out just what Farrell is going to do. He’ll be 
sure to gO' straight to the Griffins, probably to get 
financial help in working his claim. I would give 
ten years of my life to come between those people 
and the wealth they expect to secure in the Klon- 
dyke. Of course, we are both short of money, but 
I can raise enough to take us to Juneau, or Skaguay, 
and I will guarantee that we can make our way 
through without trouble. If you trust to me, Jack, 
and do as I tell you, we can easily come into pos- 
session of a good outfit without the expenditure of 
a cent.” 

“All right. Captain, you can depend upon me,” 
said Jack Williams, who had been with Captain 
Hardy ever since they both left the state peniten- 


IN ALASKA. 


15 


tiary of California. ‘‘Lay out your plans, Captain, 
and you’ll find me a ready man to help you carry 
them out.” 

“My intention,” said the scheming captain, “is to 
watch and wait for the Griffin people, and join them. 
I can declare my good intentions and play on their 
sympathies to such an extent that they will readily 
allow us to join them. They will not hold any en- 
mity toward me, and I shall endeavor to secure their 
full confidence. I shall assume a repentant attitude, 
and declare my desire to hereafter lead an honest 
life. That fool of a James Griffin will believe all I 
tell him, because I’m his uncle, and our opportunity 
will come on the trip. We must get things ready 
so as to meet them if they come here, or go to San 
Francisco if they leave there by boat. I shall find 
out all their plans from my friend in ’Frisco. Our 
fortune’s made. Jack, if you play your part as well 
as I intend to play mine.” 

“You need not fear for me. Captain, if they will 
only allow me to go with them,” returned Williams. 

“I’ll arrange that all right. Jack.” 

Then Captain Hardy called for writing materials, 
and, surrounded by many rough, noisy and excited 


16 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


men, all talking of the gold in Alaska, he wrote to 
his friend in San Francisco. 

The scene being enacted in the same room with 
Captain Hardy was one calculated to interest the 
most phlegmatic person. Extravagant stories were 
related of rich claims owned by persons known to 
them or to their friends, and the hearers stood with 
open mouths and bated breath, so that not one word 
would escape them. Those who had the means to 
go to Alaska were envied by those who were forced 
to remain at home. Men quit remunerative situa- 
tions to try their fortunes in the far north, and others 
who owned nothing in the world but their modest 
homes, even mortgaged them for a fraction of their 
value so. as to secure money to reach that land of 
gold. 

Thus it was no wonder that a man like Captain 
Hardy, with his total lack of honesty or honor, 
would stop at nothing to secure wealth and revenge 
at the same time. Nor would he fight his enemies 
in the open^ but under pretense of desiring to reform 
and lead an irreproachable life, would treacherous- 
ly strike them from behind and in the dark. The old 
adage, “The love of money is the root of all evil,’" 





WHY, MR. FARRELL!” EXCLAIMED HELEN, “WHAT FAIR WIND HAS DRIVEN YOU FROM ALASKA?”— 5<fe page g. 






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IN ALASKA. 


17 


was true in his case, for his downfall came from his 
excessive greed for wealth. 

While Captain Hardy was writing his long letter, 
Jack Williams got up and mingled with the drinking 
crowd, and he added the smoke of his pipe to the al- 
ready dense atmosphere. 

“Paper, Mister?” called a cheery voice at the 
elbow of Captain Hardy. “Extra! All about the 
great gold discoveries in the Klondyke!” And with 
hat well back on a curly head, and with deep blue 
eyes, eager for a sale, stood a lad of sixteen years of 
age. 

Captain Hardy paid no attention. 

“Paper, Mister — Extra!” again came the voice. 
This time the lad stepped right in front of the ex- 
pectant purchaser. 

“Get away from here, or I shall be under the 
necessity of giving you a kick!” thundered the cap- 
tain, angrily. “What do you mean by disturbing 
people that way? Can’t you see that I am busy?”* 

“I beg your pardon. Mister,” returned the boy, 
with a flushed face. “I only wanted to sell a paper 
— didn’t mean to disturb you. Good day! ” and he 
was again off among the crowd, shouting “Extra!” 


18 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


“There ought to be a law against such nuisances,” 
growled Hardy, as his brutal nature again asserted 
itself. He imagined that a newsboy had no rights 
which he or anyone else should consider. He never 
gave a thought of his own criminal existence, and of 
his theory that the world owed him a living, and 
that he intended to get it. 

Having finished his letter, he sauntered out with 
his companion to drop it into the nearest letter-box. 
At the door he met the newsboy, and instinctively 
took a dislike to him. The feelings were mutual, for 
the young man who was making a living by selling 
papers saw nothing in the looks of Captain Hardy 
to prepossess him in his favor. 

“They’re a nice-looking pair,” he muttered. “I 
wouldn’t want tO' be in their company in a lonely 
place, with a dollar in my pocket, for they’d rob me 
as sure as I live. They’ll likely come to a bad end.” 

The newsboy’s name was Edward Barry. His 
mother had died when he was yet a child, and his 
father had put him into the care of a brother as poor 
as himself, and had gone to Alaska tO' work in the 
mines, and also prospect for himself. He had sent 
home money occasionally, but he had written that 


IN ALASKA. 


19 


he was doing a great deal of prospecting, and that 
it required all the money he could make tO' provide 
himself with supplies for his extended trips. If he 
once struck it rich, all would be well forever after. 
But for a year nothing had been heard from him, 
and it was feared that he had died in some unknown 
district of that vast territory. At the same time 
Uncle Barry met with misfortunes, and Edward vol- 
unteered to leave school and help pay the expenses 
of the household by selling papers, which was a live- 
ly business just then. Thus it was that he disturbed 
Captain Hardy that day. 

Edward was as much interested in the news re- 
ports from the Alaskan gold fields as any of the pur- 
chasers of his papers could possibly be. He had a 
strong desire to go in search of his father, and he 
felt that something unusual was the matter with 
him. His father must either be dead, or so absorbed 
in digging gold in some remote district that he had 
no opportunity to send letters. But the thought of 
going there was as repeatedly put aside as it came to 
him, because he felt that it would be impossible to 
secure the means to do so. He was again medita- 
ting on the subject as Captain Hardy and his com- 


20 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


panion passed him. They were in conversation, and 
as they passed he heard Hardy say: 

“It's as good as settled, Jack, for as sure as Joe 
Farrell and James Griffin go to the Klondyke, we’ll 
accompany them. We’ll work them in great shape, 
and they’ll not find out what fools they’ve been until 
we leave them in the lurch somewhere.” 

“They’re bigger villains than I thought,” mut- 
tered Edward tO' himself. “They’re going to rob or 
murder somebody on the way to Alaska! ^oe Far- 
rell and James Griffin,’ ” he soliloquized. “Well, 
I’ll just write down those names, and maybe I can 
warn them. At the same time I’ll keep my eyes on 
those fellows. They look as though they might be 
a couple of jail-birds.” And Edward sauntered 
along leisurely, whistling softly to himself, and 
watched! where the men went. They walked down 
several blocks, and went into a boarding-house on 
a side street. 

Taking note of the number, Edward returned to 
the busy places and continued his sale of papers. 


IN ALASKA. 


21 


CHAPTER III. 

OUR FRIENDS START FOR ALASKA. 

The next morning James and Joe were at the 
office, planning for their trip to Alaska. Joe was 
anxious to be off at once, but there were many mat- 
ters to be attended to before James could think of 
leaving. He had investments to look after, and he 
must arrange to close up the house, and inform his 
father and mother of the intended journey of him- 
self and Helen. He must also consider others who 
had spoken to him of going to Alaska. 

These gentlemen were called tO' James’ office, but 
only two of them decided to go, and these two were 
more than anxious to make the journey, especially 
now that so available a man as Joe Farrell was to be 
one of the party. 

One of these gentlemen was Prof. Caldwell, a 
warm friend of James. He was well educated, and 
had traveled all over the world. He had a predilec- 


22 


JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


tion for big words and foreign sayings, which he 
quoted on every possible occasion. He was not 
rich — in fact, he was quite poor — and when some- 
one referred to him in connection with the moss and 
the rolling stone, he remarked: “Oh, you mean a 
revolving fragment of the paleozoic age collects no 
crytogamous vegetation.’^ He also referred to 
water as H2O, and to salt as chloride of sodium, etc. 

James rather enjoyed the peculiar ways of the 
professor, but Joe did not. Joe thought a handful 
of common sense was worth a bushel of learning. 

But aside from this fault, if it may be so called, 
the professor was a desirable companion, brave, and 
a true friend. 

The other gentleman who wished to accompany 
James was an artist, at present an illustrator on one 
of the San Francisco papers. His name was Francis 
La Boule, and he was the son of one of the first 
French families to locate in California. He had 
some peculiarities, but he was a genius in his line of 
work, and he was alsO' an able writer. He was of 
an adventurous nature, wished to see what he could 
of the world, and was always in hopes that he would 
be one of the lucky ones in the land of gold. For 


IN ALASKA. 


23 


years he had done commercial work in an engraving 
office, and as most of the materials to be photo- 
graphed and drawn were never again called for, 
Francis naturally took them tO' his rooms, which 
soon became a veritable storehouse. If the article 
should happen to be asked for, Francis would throw 
out a gentle hint that he would highly appreciate its 
possession, and it was generally given to him. So 
he had knives, razors, shears, and about everything 
to be found in a hardware store. One day a dozen 
or more coffins were brought to the shop to be pho- 
tographed and cuts made from them. Out of sheer 
force of habit he asked for one of them. Of course, 
the laugh was on him, but he took it good natur- 
edly. Aside from this mania for collecting, he was 
quite a capital fellow, generous and kind-hearted. 

^ He often called upon James in his office, and was 
a frequent visitor at the Griffin home, and they were 
warm friends. 

So the party was to be made up of James, Joe, 
the professor, Francis, and Helen. It was decided 
to go by rail to Seattle, and from there, after buying 
their supplies, by boat to Dyea, and then overland 
by way of the Chilkoot trail. 


24 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


James thought over the various methods of trans- 
porting the goods of the party to Alaska. Being of 
a practical nature and entirely original, he conceived 
the idea of making use of goats as transport animals. 
He secured half a dozen and gave them in charge of 
a trainer. James calculated that they could dO' the 
work much better than dogs, and once in Alaska 
they would furnish milk, or at least could be con- 
verted into meat. James was curious to see how the 
training of the goats proceeded^ and sO' he was on 
hand at the initial trial. When they first got the 
harnesses on, the giddy beasts cut all manner of 
capers. While one would be executing a frantic 
war-dance, another would try standing on his head 
and kicking terrifically at the air. Then the others 
got excited and began bucking each other. James 
feared for a time that his experiment would not 
prove a success, but after a couple of days, the ani- 
mals behaved quite well, and within a few weeks 
they were obedient, and pulled great loads without 
apparent effort. 

James realized that such an outfit would provoke 
a great deal of ridicule, merriment and adverse com- 
ment at first sight, but he felt that when his peculiar 


IN ALASKA. 


25 


team was once at work, none but favorable remarks 
would be heard. At all events, James thought, the 
goats would be just so much more food for the 
party. 

At first the intention was to make the journey by 
boat, via the Yukon, but it was late in the summer 
before everything was ready, and it was feared that 
the great river would be frozen before they could 
reach the Klondyke district. Joe, too, favored the 
overland route, because he had gone by the all- 
water route, and he decided that the other way could 
not be worse. 

“I suppose, though,” he added, ‘‘no matter which 
way we do go, we shall regret that we didn’t go the 
other.” 

At last everything was ready, and our friends bade 
farewell to their homes and the familiar scenes 
about them. 

They left on the Oakland ferry at 7:30 p. m., and 
at 8 o’clock boarded the train on the Oakland Mole 
that was to^ carry them on their way to the far 
north. There were many others on the train besides 
themselves — some, perhaps, who would never re- 


26 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


turn, for gold hunting in Alaska was not without its 
dangers. 

The journey to Seattle was a pleasant one, and 
full of interest. The train wended its way through 
the most mountainous portion of the state — 
through the valley of the Sacramento. 

Francis had made the journey several times, and 
he took great pleasure in pointing out to Helen the 
objects of interest . At Port Costa the whole train, 
including engine and sleepers, was run onto the lar- 
gest ferry boat in the world (the Solano), which 
crossed over the straits of Carquinez to Benicia. 
One of the most striking scenes in the country was 
Castle Crag, which towers 4,000 feet above the 
river. After leaving the Sacramento river, the train 
climbs up, up, to the towns of McCloud and Sisson, 
3,500 feet above the sea, and here, as the sun rose 
the next morning, a beautiful view of Mount Shasta 
was obtained. These snow-clad peaks tower 14,440 
feet high, and as they viewed the immense glacier, 
they could not but realize their own insignificance 
and the greatness of God. At Black Butte summit, 
at an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet, a mountain 


IN ALASKA. 


27 


range was crossed and the train hurried on over the 
Siskiyou mountains. 

Leaving the line of California and entering Ore- 
gon, a most marvelous feat of engineering was seen 
— the great trestlework, where six tracks are con- 
structed, each one above the other. Going through 
the three-mile tunnel, before reaching Ashland, was 
also a novelty to the passengers. 

The train then sped on through the valley scenery 
along the Willamette river to Portland, Oregon, 
where the party partook of breakfast. Again the 
train started on its trip to Seattle, which was reached 
without incident at 5 p. m., the journey having oc- 
cupied nearly two days and two nights. 

During the trip, the professor' and James discus- 
sed matters of mutual interest, while Joe, who was 
naturally a man of few words, and whose several 
years of solitary life in Alaska had rendered him 
more so, for the most time sat in the smoker, silent 
and thoughtful. He felt that a great deal depended 
upon him to successfully land the party at Dawson 
City, and when he thought of all the difficulties to 
overcome, it almost made him hesitate. But he 
knew that thousands of others were also on the way, 


28 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and while the hardships would be great, they were 
not insurmountable. 

Arriving at Seattle, the party repaired to a hotel, 
and immediately began the purchasing of supplies. 
They were fortunate in securing passage on the 
steamer Jeanette, which ran to Juneau, Alaska, and 
which was to leave in a few days. 

When James stepped out of the hotel one morn- 
ing, in company with Professor Caldwell, he was as- 
tonished at meeting Captain Hardy. James was 
about to pass him by without even a nod of recog- 
nition, but Captain Hardy accosted him in a friend- 
ly manner and held out his hand tO’ James. James 
did not accept the proffered token of friendship. 

“Won’t you shake hands with me, James?” asked 
Captain Hardy, with well-feigned humiliation. 

“Captain Hardy,” answered James, “I have no ill- 
feeling toward you, but I think our paths lie in dif- 
ferent directions. The world is large, and there is 
no necessity for us to even recognize each other. 
You did a great wrong tO' our family, for which I 
forgive you, and I wish you success.” 

“Come, James, let us be friends. I have sinned, I 
know, and have received just punishment for my 


IN ALASKA, 


29 


sins, but I am endeavoring to live a new life, and it 
will lift a great load from my mind if I am sure of 
your friendship,” and Captain Hardy again ex- 
tended his hand. 

James still hesitated. 

Just at that moment a newsboy, who had been an 
interested observer of the group, rushed up, and 
with cries of “Extra!” solicited a sale. 

James mechanically purchased the morning 
paper, and then the professor said: 

“See here, James, Captain Hardy seems to desire 
to do what is right, sO' you should be charitable. 
You seem yet to accuse him, but I think we are 
bound by the most sacred obligations to avoid un- 
just accusations. We should hold our judgment in 
suspense rather than draw hasty conclusions. If we 
do this, we shall be better fitted to form just con- 
clusions when duty calls for them.” 

“You are right. Professor,” said James, after a 
moment's thought, and he cordially shook hands 
with Hardy. 

“You are bound for the Klondyke, I think,” ven- 
tured Captain Hardy. “Well, so am I. I have en- 


30 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


gaged a berth on the Jeanette, which leaves in a 
few days.” 

“Then we shall travel together, for we go on the 
same steamer/’ replied James. 

“That is extremely fortunate,” said Captain 
Hardy, “and I hope that we shall be fast friends 
before we reach the end of our journey. I shall 
certainly do all in my power to merit your good 
opinion. Well, good-bye, James, until we meet 
again. Good-bye, Professor.” 

“Good-bye,” returned James. “Au revoir,” said 
the professor, with a wave of his hand. 


IN ALASKA. 


31 


CHAPTER IV. 

EDWARD BARRY WARNS JAMES. 

When James and the professor returned to the 
hotel they met Joe, also coming back. 

‘‘What do you think, Joe? We met Captain 
Hardy, and he seemed disposed to be very friendly 
to us. He wishes to begin life anew, and he is going 
with us on the Jeanette to Alaska.” 

Joe gave vent tO' a low whistle. 

“And what does that mean?” asked James. 

“It means that I do not believe in his professions 
of friendship. I should like to have ocular proof of 
his good intentions before I am convinced that he 
is sincere, and it would be pretty hard to forgive 
him for what he has done.” 

“You should not be so severe,” returned the pro- 
fessor. “He that cannot forgive others breaks the 
bridge over which he must himself pass, for every 
man has need to be forgiven.” 


32 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


“You are right, there. Professor, and I shall not 
stand in the way of Captain Hardy showing us that 
he is sincere in his professions of good-will toward 
us.” 

“He seemed very earnest, and I cannot doubt his 
sincerity. If not true, it was well feigned. 'Se non 
e vero, e ben trovato,’ as the Italians say, ” returned 
the professor. “And besides, Joe, we, as members 
of society, could not exist without continual obliga- 
tions on every side, and instead of being felt as a 
burden, they should be gladly accepted as a part of 
the benefit and happiness it has in store for us. We 
must make mutual sacrifices, and he who considers 
it a debit-and-credit affair, does not realize the 
meaning of social life, and is unable to fill his part 
in it.” 

“Have your way. Professor, and I hope all will 
be well, but I shall keep my eyes open and be ready 
for any emergency,” returned Joe. 

They entered the hotel, and Joe showed a list of 
goods he had purchased. 

“Are you buying supplies for an army?” asked 
Helen, aghast, as she looked over the array of fig- 
ures on the long sheet of paper. 


IN ALASKA. 


33 


“Not a bit of it, my dear girl,” said Joe, smiling. 
“I have added a few dainties on your account, but as 
a whole we shall need every pound of provisions I 
have selected. Look over the list. Miss Griffin, and 
if I have neglected anything, please make a note of 
it. I also wish to remind you that what we do not 
take with us we shall be quite certain to go without, 
so be careful not to forget anything that you con- 
sider essential for your welfare or comfort.” 

Helen was busy studying the following list when 
Joe was called outside. 


Flour 

.1200 Lbs. 

Raisins 

15 Lbs. 

Bacon 

. 450 

(( 

Onions, Evap 

15 “ 

Beans 

. 300 

n 

Potatoes, Evap.... 

76 

Sugar 

. 225 


Coffee 

75 “ 

Rolled Oats 

. 125 

it 

Tea 

30 “ 

Candles 

. 120 

tt 

Milk, Con., Cans. . . 

6 Doz. 

Rice 

. 75 

<< 

Soap, Tar 

15 Bars. 

Cornmeal 

. 60 

it 

Soap, Laundry 

15 Bars. 

Dry Salt Pork . . 

,. 75 

it 

Matches, 3 Cans.. 

.120 Pks. 

Dried Beet 

. 75 

tt 

Soup, Vegetable . . 

. 10 Lbs. 

Baking Powder . 

. 8 


Jamaica Ginger . . 

. 3 Bot. 

Soda 

.. 2 


Butter in Sealed 


Salt 

. . 60 

it 

Cans 

.To Suit. 

Pfsn-npr 

2 

tt 

Tobacco 

.To Suit. 

Mustard and Ginger 1 

tt 

Extract of Beef. . , 

.18 Pots. 

Apples, Evap . . . . 

.. 60 


Stove, Steel 


Peaches, Evap... 

,. 60 

tt 

Gold Pans 

4 

Apricots 

. 60 


Granite Buckets . 

3 

Pitted Plums . . . 

.. 30 

tt 

Cups 

2 


34 


JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


Plates, Tin 6 

Knives and Forks, Each . . 5 

Spoons, Table and Tea. . . 6 

Whetstone 1 

Coffee Pot 1 

Nails 20 Lbs. 

Picks 4 

Saws, Hand 2 

Saws, Whip 2 

Hatchets 3 

Shovels 4 

Files 10 

Draw Knife 1 

Axes 3 

Chisels, Several Sizes 5 


Butcher Knives 3 

Small Compass 1 

Rope, ^-inch 100 Ft, 

Block and Tackle 1 

Medicine Chest 1 

Pitch 3 Lbs. 

Oakum 3 Lbs. 

Trying Pans 3 

Snow Glasses, Each..l Pair 

Hunting Knives, Each 1 

Revolvers, Each 1 

Rifles, Each 1 

Screws, Several Sizes. 3 Lbs. 

Screw Driver 2 

Mercury To Suit 


And several books of poems and essays and the 
Bible. 

After making note of a few articles she wished to 
take in addition, Helen rejoined the others in the 
hotel parlor. 

When Joe left Helen and had reached the hotel 
office, he was accosted by the newsboy of whom 
James had purchased a paper a short time before. 

“Excuse me, sir, but are you Joe Farrell?” asked 
Edward Barry, for it was he. 

“Yes, my lad,” said Joe, kindly; “what can I do 
for you?” 


IN ALASKA. 


35 


“Oh, how glad I am that I have met you at last. 
And is James Griffin here, too?” 

“Yes, he is in the hotel. Would you like to see 
him?” 

Just then the professor joined the two. 

“Yes, sir! Oh, how I have been waiting and 
watching for several months, and when I saw Cap- 
tain Hardy talking to two men a short time ago, 
and heard him mention ‘James,’ I was sure you 
people had arrived.” 

“What do you know about Captain Hardy?” 
asked Joe, very much interested. 

“He’s waiting for a chance to rob or murder you 
people on your way to Alaska!” replied Edward. 

“Nonsense, boy,” said the professor. “I was just 
talking to Captain Hardy, and he wants to do what 
is right. Now, boy, what is your reason for making 
such a statement?” 

“Don’t be so severe with the lad. Professor; he 
means well, no doubt,” said Joe, as he saw Ed- 
ward slightly color up. “What is your name? and 
what can you tell us about Captain Hardy’s inten- 
tions?” 

“My name is Edward Barry, and as I have not 


36 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


heard from my father in Alaska for over a year, I 
was compelled to sell papers and do other work to 
help Uncle Barry get along — ” 

“Barry! and in Alaska!’' exclaimed Joe. “What 
is your father’s name?” 

“William Barry,” answered the young man. 

“It must be the same — I’m sure it is — and you’re 
William Barry’s son?”said Joe, delightedly, putting 
his right hand on the newsboy’s shoulder. “Why, 
we were partners together for several years, Bill and 
I. He saved my life, too, at the risk of his own. 
Now, I remember, he spoke of his son in Seattle. 
And you haven’t heard from him in a year?” 

“No, sir; not a word. Oh, tell me about my 
father, if you were with him in Alaska!” And the 
young man forgot all else in his eagerness to hear 
from his dear parent. 

“Well, the last I saw of him was when I was 
feeling badly and in no condition to go prospecting, 
and determined to stay in Circle City for a time to 
regain my health. Then he went off alone on a 
prospecting trip up the Yukon. He was well sup- 
plied with food, and, barring accidents, had nothing 
to fear. Later, I went up with the rush, got a claim, 


IN ALASKA. 


37 


and then came home. We are now on our way back, 
and you may be sure, my lad, that I shall make in- 
quiries concerning your father.’^ 

“Oh, thank you, sir,'' said Edward. 

“Come, let us go to James and Francis," said Joe. 

James, Francis and Helen were now joined by the 
group, and Joe informed them of the errand of 
Master Barry. ' 

“Tell us, my lad, just how you came to learn of 
Captain Hardy's evil intentions toward us," said 
James. 

Edward related what the reader already knows, 
but it did not convince James. He wanted to be 
generous to Captain Hardy, and he thought there 
might be some mistake in the words Edward had 
heard. 

Edward showed James a slip of paper on which 
he had written “Joe Farrell and James Griffin," at 
the time Captain Hardy had uttered the confident 
words concerning our two friends. 

“Well, there's nothing to be done," said James, 
“except to look out for ourselves. To be fore- 
warned is to be forearmed, and, God helping, noth- 
ing need be feared." 


38 


JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


“ ‘Deo adjuvante, non timendum/ as we say it in 
Latin,” echoed the professor, closing a newly-issued 
book he had been glancing over while Edward was 
talking. “It has been said, and probably quite truly^ 
that a person will never have more than three or 
four friends in the course of his life, and I don’t 
think Captain Hardy is going to be one of them, 
but at the same time, he may be able to explain 
away the suspicions that we now hold against him.” 

James became much interested in the young man, 
and appreciated his desire to warn them of impend- 
ing danger, and when James asked him if they could 
do anything for him, he replied: 

“I thank you very much for your kind offer. I 
have only one wish, and that being impossible to 
carry out, I can only say that there is nothing that 
you can do for me.” 

“And what is that one great desire?” asked James 
curiously. 

“Fve thought a thousand times that I would like 
to go to Alaska to search for my father, but having 
no money, and being alone, it is only a dream.” 

James was thoughtful for a moment, and then he 
asked: 


IN ALASKA, 


39 


“How would you like to join our party?” 

Edward’s face colored, and a smile lit up his 
handsome features, but this was followed by a pale- 
ness, as he answered: 

“Please do not joke with me about the matter, 
Mr. Griffin.” 

“Come, my lad, I mean just what I say. If you 
wish to go with us, and your uncle has no objection, 
you may consider yourself one of our party. Never 
mind about the supplies, clothes, etc., for we can 
fit you out in that line.” 

The poor boy was overcome with gratitude. A 
lump came into his throat, and he could not speak 
for some time. 


40 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER V. 

EDWARD PLAYS DETECTIVE. 

Captain Hardy was elated with the success of his 
plans so far; and when he left the professor and 
James, he returned to his usual lounging place, and 
proceeded tO' celebrate what he termed the first 
great move in the game he was playing. In the 
afternoon he called for paper and pen, and wrote a 
note to his friend. Jack Williams, who was in a 
neighboring town for a few days. 

He had no sooner left the table and gone out to 
post this letter, than our young friend, Edward 
Barry, who had been selling the evening papers, 
and also watching Captain Hardy, went over to 
where the letter had been written and looked around 
for some scrap of paper that would give him a clue 
to corroborate his statement tO' James and Joe Far- 
rell. Though he had been much concerned about 
them when they were yet strangers, he now was 


IN ALASKA. 


41 


greatly worried lest Captain Hardy might do them 
some injury, while pretending to be their friend. He 
was determined to watch Hardy day and night, and 
thus it was that he looked about for information 
that might prove valuable to his new friends and 
benefactors. 

Several crushed pieces of paper were on the floor, 
but one had only a blot of ink on it, and the other 
the date and the words: “Dear Jack: I met — 
Edward looked about the table, and saw some 
words on a blotter. They were reversed and he 
could not read them, but he put the blotter intO' his 
trousers pocket, determined to give it to the profes- 
sor. Edward had great confidence in the professor 
being able to decipher the words. 

The whole party had just eaten supper, and were 
in the parlor when Edward arrived. He immedi- 
ately went to James and handed him the strip of 
paper and the blotter, and said: 

“I saw Captain Hardy writing a letter this after- 
noon, and after he was gone I picked up these 
scraps. They may not mean anything, and then 
again they may be useful. You will know best.’^ 
James looked at the crumpled sheet of paper and 


42 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


then at the blotter, and would have smiled, only 
Edward was looking at him as serious as a sentinel 
on duty. He did not wish to belittle the importance 
of the detective work of Edward, so he said: 

“This is Captain Hardy’s writing, ’tis true, but 
there’s nothing here but ‘Dear Jack: I met — ’ and 
this blotter; why, I cannot make out a word of it. 
Yes, the last word looks like ‘Hardy.’ Here, Pro- 
fessor, look this over; it’s all backward.” 




The professor took it with the air of a judge who 
was to decide an important case. As he concen- 
trated his mind on it, a slight scowl overspread his 
usually pleasant-looking face, but the scowl soon 
gave way to a smile, and holding the blotter before 
a mirror for a moment, he exclaimed: 

“James, just read that!” 

James stepped forward and read: 

“as possible. They soaked in all that I told them. 


IN ALASKA. 


43 


■“and they will be easy to work. Your friend, 

“John Hardy.” 

Francis, Helen and Joe also read the mysterious 
words, and then each silently looked at the others. 

“It is evident,’’ began the professor, “that Cap- 
tain Hardy is not overburdened with sincerity; and 
he evidently intends to inveigle someone into a 
trap.” 

“The wolf changes his coat, but not his disposi- 
tion,” said Francis. 

“ ‘Lupus pilum mutat, nbn mentem,’ as we say 
it in Latin,” remarked the professor. “Well, James, 
what are we going to do about it? I don’t fancy a 
traveling companion who puts me down as a nursing 
babe, and as a person always ready to be gulled.” 
And the professor looked indignant. 

“Well, Professor,” said Joe, “you gave me a 
pretty severe lecture about being charitable, so 
don’t get excited now. You should not have been 
so quick to believe what Captain Hardy told you. 
I expected that it would turn out that way.” 

“ ‘Tout le monde est sage apres coup,’ everybody 
is wise after the event,” said the professor. “Cap- 
tain Hardy had an opportunity, but it is now past. 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


14 

Opportunity has hair in front; behind she is bald; 
if you seize her by the forehead you may hold her, 
but if you suffer her to pass by, not Mercury himself 
can catch her again.” 

'‘The only course for us to pursue,” said James, 
“is to keep our own counsel, say as little to Captain 
Hardy as possible, and be ever on the watch for 
him.” 

“Oh, James,” said Helen, “I fear he is to cause 
us a great deal of trouble on our trip to Alaska. I 
have a presentiment that he will bring us misfortune. 
Is there no way to get rid of him? Can we not leave 
sooner than we intended?” And Helen fairly trem- 
bled at the thought of what Captain Hardy’s pres- 
ence might mean to them. 

“Never fear, Helen,” said James, “we now know 
what to expect and we are four against one. Be- 
sides, we have Edward, who is a veritable watch- 
dog.” 

“I shall endeavor to merit your good opinion of 
me,” answered Edward, blushing slightly. 

The party soon broke up for the evening, and 
Edward was told to get ready, as the Jeanette was 


IN ALASKA. 


45 


to leave by Saturday for Skaguay and in the morn- 
ing they were to get their supplies on board. 

Edward was in a delirium of joy, for now his 
proudest dreams were to be realized. He was to go 
to Alaska, and he felt sure that he would find his 
father ! 

The day for the departure finally came, and our 
little party went on board, with bright hopes for the 
future. There were several hundred other passen- 
gers, mostly made up of small parties like our own 
friends. Everything was in a bustle, and all were 
more or less excited. 

There was a tremendous crowd at the wharf to 
see the goldseekers off, and as the lines were cast 
from the piles, the great steamer got under way, 
and was soon plowing through the waters of Puget 
sound on its trip tO' the Pacific ocean. 

Captain Hardy was also on board and had already 
spoken tO' James, but he was a little put out at the 
reserved manner in which James treated him. Cap- 
tain Hardy at first thought that this was due to his 
conduct six years before, and he realized that he 
must do something to cause James and his friends 


^6 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 

to think that he meant to reform and lead an exem- 
plary life. 

“Even the professor/’ mused Captain Hardy, as 
he walked the deck one dark night, “who' was so 
generous and friendly at first, now looks at me sus- 
piciously, and I fear that they must have heard 
something about me, and decided to cut me alto- 
gether. By George, I wonder if that boy they have 
with them has anything to do with their changed 
manner! If I thought so I would throw him over- 
board! I’d like to know how they came to pick him 
up,” and the captain walked up and down the deck 
in deep thought. “Thunder!” he exclaimed, sud- 
denly. “I do believe that kid has been spying on 
me, for he has been continuously at my elbow ever 
since he first asked me to buy a paper and I threat- 
ened to kick him outdoors.” 

A dark scowl overspread the features of the cap- 
tain, and he endeavored to recall every word he had 
said when Edward was about. His thoughts went 
back to the very beginning, and he suddenly re- 
membered that when he was writing a letter one 
day to his friend Jack Williams, he had thrown away 


IN ALASKA. 


47 


a sheet partly filled, and that he had seen Edward 
around the table shortly afterward. 

^‘Could he have picked up some scraps of paper 
and brought them to young Griffin?” thought 
Hardy. “It must be so, for I cannot otherwise 
account for the change in their manner.” 

Just then Captain Hardy was joined by Jack Wil- 
liams, and the former imparted his fears in regard 
to that “newsboy,” as Edward was referred to by 
both men. 

“Em afraid that he has spoiled all our plans. 
Jack,” said Hardy. 

“Well, if he has, we must make new ones,” re- 
turned Williams. “We are now on our way to 
Alaska, and there is no help for it. We spent all 
we had for our passage and the small outfit we have, 
so we must secure more some way. It will be dan- 
gerous business up there to help ourselves, as I hear 
that if a man is caught with other people’s goods in 
his possession he is disposed of without the formal- 
ity of a trial. So we must be careful. The Griffin 
people really have a great deal more than they need, 
and we must endeavor to relieve them of a good 
share of it. We have crossed the Rubicon, Captain, 


48 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and we cannot be timid now. We have waited for 
months for those people, and it is from them that 
we must secure the provisions to carry us through 
the winter. I would not stop now if I had tO' get 
rid of them one by one until all were dead.” And 
a savage look came into his face. 

‘‘Those are my sentiments, too. Jack,” said 
Hardy. “The time has come to act. I shall see 
James Griffin to-morrow, and if I am convinced 
that he intends to have nothing to do with me, then 
I shall know what to do.” 

Just then Captain Hardy saw a figure standing in 
the shadow of a stairway that led to the upper deck. 
A scrutinizing look convinced the captain that it 
was Edward Barry. 

“Spying again, are you?” muttered Hardy, and 
he quickly approached Edward, who had come on 
deck to enjoy the fresh air and take a walk, and to 
look at the stars that shone so brightly above. See- 
ing two men in earnest conversation, he had stepped 
out of the way, intending to go to some other part 
of the steamer. But he had heard a few words that 
arrested his attention, and against his wishes, over- 


IN ALASKA. 


49 


heard much that Captain Hardy and Jack Williams 
had said. 

Captain Hardy seized Edward roughly by the 
shoulder, and demanded to know the reason for his 
listening to their conversation. 

“Captain Hardy, I accidently overheard some of 
your words, and I feel it my duty to report it to Mr. 
Griffin. You are endeavoring tO' injure him, and 
you shall not do so if I can help it!’' And Edward 
attempted to shake off his grasp. 

“We’ll see about that,” said Hardy, and he 
quickly placed one of his hands over Edward’s 
mouth to prevent an outcry, and then calling to 
Jack Williams, added: 

“When spies are caught, the penalty is death; and 
so it shall be with you, my young fellow! Dead 
youngsters tell no stories, and you will be food for 
the fishes as a result of your eagerness to hear what 
we were saying!” 

Edward attempted to cry out, as he realized what 
the two men might do with him, but he could not! 
He struggled desperately to free himself, but he was 
held as in a vise, and as they carried him toward the 
rail, he grabbed at every object he passed. His hold 


50 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


was quickly broken, however, and as the side of the 
steamer was reached, he felt himself lifted from the 
deck. Again he made an attempt to catch the rail, 
but instead his hands grasped a. life board that hung 
alongside, and he felt himself lifted high in the air, 
and then he fell down, down, into the dark waters 
below! 


IN ALASKA, 


51 


CHAPTER VI. 

OUR FRIENDS GRIEF-STRICKEN. 

The next morning" opened sunshiny and calm, and 
when James and the other men of his party met as 
usual on the foredeck before breakfast, they all won- 
dered where Edward could be. Finally the bell 
sounded for the morning meal, and all repaired to 
the dining room. 

“Edward must be taking an extra sleep this morn- 
ing,” remarked Helen, as she missed the young 
man. 

The men looked at each other questioningly, and 
James finally said: 

“None of us have seen Edward this morning, and 
we have been wondering where he could be.” 

“Edward is always the first to appear in the morn- 
ing, and if no one has seen him, something must be 
the matter. I cannot eat until I am sure that he is 
well,” said Helen, with much concern. 


52 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


“I shall immediately make inquiries for him/’ Said 
Francis, as he arose from the table. “Don’t worry, 
Miss Griffin; he’s all right and on board some- 
where.” And Francis got up tO' go in search of his 
young friend. 

Captain Hardy, who was seated at another table, 
and narrowly watching the Griffin party, now arose 
and came forward. 

“Good morning,” he said; “you seem troubled. 
What has happened? Can I help you in any way?” 

“One of our party, Edward Barry, has not yet 
shown up, and Mr. La Boule is going to look for 
him,” answered James. 

“Why, I saw him last evening on the upper deck, 
sitting by one of the small boats,” said Captain 
Hardy. “He was dozing, and I warned him to be 
careful or he might fall asleep and pitch headlong 
into the sea.” 

The possibility of such an event created general 
alarm, and James, the professor, and Joe immedi- 
ately went in different directions to see if he could 
be found. Captain Hardy also volunteered to help 
in the search. 

“Well, I’m rid of one of them, anyway,” muttered 


IN ALASKA. 


53 


Hardy to himself, when he was alone. “Only I wish 
it had been James Griffin instead of the kid. But 
he’ll probably be the next one — he or Joe Farrell.” 
And Hardy rubbed his hands and smiled trium- 
phantly, in anticipation of his next victim. “The 
best of it is, that no one would ever think of sus- 
pecting me of being the cause of the lad’s disappear- 
ance. Ah! go and look for him, you fools! He’s 
food for the fishes before this — so he has done some 
good in the world anyway.” And Hardy went to 
take a walk on deck. 

Francis was the first tO' return to Helen. His 
face showed the alarm he felt for Edward’s absence. 

“No one remembers having seen him since last 
evening,” he reported, “and I fear very much that 
something has happened to him.” 

A thorough search of the steamer was made by 
the crew and passengers. Every part of the boat 
was gone over, but no trace of Edward could be 
found. He had completely disappeared. It was 
with genuine grief that James and the others came 
to the conclusion that he had fallen overboard and 
was drowned. Helen could hardly realize that the 
bright young man, who had been so cheerful, happy 


54 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and obliging, was now dead! Tears came to her 
eyes, and she finally gave way to her feelings. 

As the mysterious disappearance was discussed 
by the men, Joe remarked: 

'Tt’s curious that Captain Hardy was the last to 
see him. It appears to me that he seemed pleased, 
rather than cast down by the affair. I half suspect 
that he knows more about the disappearance of Ed- 
ward than he pretends.” 

“Yes,” said Francis, “why should he have come 
over to us this morning when I left and asked what 
was the trouble? We must look out for him! He'd 
be the last man in the world to warn Edward, as he 
says he did. It’s more likely that he threw him over- 
board. You know Edward has been keeping an 
eye on Hardy, and it’s possible that the captain was 
aware of it, and has revenged himself.” 

“I have been quietly studying the man,” then 
remarked the professor, “and I am now sure that 
he is capable of almost any crime to secure his ends. 
He has some plans in his mind which he is going to 
carry out regardless of consequences. Whether it 
is to seek gold or tO' seek revenge, I cannot say; 
probably both. Why is he on the same boat with 


IN ALASKA. 


55 


us? Coincident? Perhaps, but I don’t believe it. 
I feel that his presence here is part of some project 
he has in view. ‘Tempus omnia revelat’ — Time re- 
veals all things. If he has not reformed, then he is 
full of revenge, and, you know, revenge is a debt, in 
the paying of which the greatest knave is honest 
and sincere, and, so far as he is able, punctual. I 
am fully in accord with the views of Francis and 
Joe.” 

James listened to the opinions of his friends, and 
their views coincided with his own on the subject. 
He had endeavored to make himself believe that 
Hardy was what he represented himself to be, but 
he could never quite do so. 

Suspicions, however, were not evidence; and so 
nothing could be done but to watch and wait. 

Several days passed, and nothing new transpired. 
Edward was not heard of, and he was given up for 
lost. Captain Hardy had endeavored to become 
more intimate with James, but in this he was not 
successful. James answered his direct questions in 
the fewest possible words, and the others did the 
same. He soon came to understand that he could 
not hope to get into the confidence of the Griffin 


56 


JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


party, and thus carry out the treacherous plans he 
had in mind. He then began the use of drugs, to 
which he was addicted, instead of liquors. He had 
often used cocaine, and now since Edward’s disap- 
pearance, he felt he must resort to some stimulant 
in order to ease his guilty mind. Although he real- 
ized that the after results would be terrible, he 
nevertheless plunged in, regardless of consequences. 
After a syringe, his sense of hearing became so 
enormously increased^ or at least appeared so, that 
he thought he could hear flies walking on the walls. 
As he paced the deck of the vessel it seemed to him 
that everyone he met was saying: “There’s the man 
who threw the boy overboard!” He soon thought 
they were pointing their fingers at him, and all re- 
peating the accusation. 

“It’s a lie!” he finally shouted to his supposed 
accusers, and then he made a precipitate retreat to 
his stateroom. Here, in company with Jack Wil- 
liams, Captain Hardy frequently indulged in his 
disastrous practice, against the protests of his part- 
ner, who saw that if they were to secure a fortune 
in Alaska, they must be on the lookout for some 
bold strike. Hardy soon began to accuse even Jack 


IN ALASKA. 


67 


of plotting against him, and threatened to blow his 
brains out if it was continued. This idea, of course, 
came from the effects of the cocaine. 

It was not long before Hardy was so under the • 
influence of the terrible drug that he began to 
imagine himself covered with worms. If he endeav- 
ored to brush them off, they scampered away in an 
instant — to some other part of his body, and then 
looked out at him with diamond-like eyes. Other 
hallucinations followed, but as soon as he recovered 
from the effects of the drug he laughed at his late 
fears, and then took another syringe, again throw- 
ing himself into a state of terror. Inanimate objects 
took on life, and everything seemed to threaten him. 
Assassins with knives and revolvers were standing 
in every corner ready to spring out at him. Ed- 
ward’s reproachful face was ever before him, and 
even when he covered his eyes he could not shut out 
the sight. 

Thus the trip was spent by Captain Hardy. 

On the other hand, James and his friends were 
passing the days as pleasantly as the loss of their 
young friend would permit. Their sorrow for Ed- 
ward was great, but all grief that cannot in the 


58 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


course of nature be helped, soon wears away. In 
some sooner, and others later, but it never contin- 
ues for any length of time, for all unnecessary grief 
is unwise, and therefore will not long be retained 
by a sound mind. 

Sunday morning was observed in a fitting man- 
ner by our party, and their thoughts went back to 
their dear church at home, where their kind pastor 
was officiating at the regular hour. In the after- 
noon they assembled again, and Professor Caldwell 
leading, they sang a few hymns. Twilight was now 
at hand, and as they gazed on the dark shades that 
were fast deepening into night, their thoughts re- 
turned to Edward, whose body they believed was 
being tossed about by the waves of the ocean miles 
away. The stillness of the hour was broken by the 
professor, who, after reciting a number of good 
deeds of Edward and mentioning his fine character, 
said that one so pure and holy must dwell on high. 


IN ALASKA. 


59 


CHAPTER VII. 

Edward’s strange experience. 

What a rush of thoughts flashed through Ed- 
ward’s brain during the few seconds that intervened 
between his being thrown from the steamer by Cap- 
tain Hardy and his touching the water! It seemed 
that every action of his life — many things that had 
entirely passed from his memory — rushed with 
lightning speed through his mind^ before he felt 
himself strike the foamy waves cast up by the bow 
of the steamer! He had not even uttered a cry for 
help ! 

As he came to the surface he grasped his board 
tightly, and saw the steamer, as a great black object, 
swiftly pass him, and soon disappear in the darkness. 

For a short time Edward endeavored to follow 
the direction in which the ship was going, but 
he soon saw the uselessness of this, and he then de- 
cided to husband his strength. As he thought over 


60 


JAMES GRlFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


his position, the utter hopelessness of it almost made 
him turn mad! The chances of his being rescued 
were so remote that he could expect tO' live but 
a few hours at most. But a reaction soon followed, 
and he then became strangely resigned. He won- 
dered what James and the others would say and do 
when they found him missing, and it made him feel 
sad to think of their sorrow. 

Fortunately, the sea was calm, so that he exper- 
ienced no difficulty in retaining his hold upon the 
lifeboard. Thus the hours passed, and after what 
seemed an age, day finally dawned. Edward made 
a sweep of the ocean to see if there was any boat 
in sight, and he was suddenly surprised and de- 
lighted to observe a dark object low in the water a 
mile or more distant. He exerted all his strength 
to swim toward it, and soon came near enough to 
see that it was an ocean derelict. The hapless craft 
was water-logged, and almost awash. While a wel- 
come sight to Edward, it was a dangerous obstruc- 
tion to navigation. Edward soon swam alongside, 
and was greatly relieved to reach even so insecure 
a resting place, for he was nearly exhausted. He 
then looked about him. On the deck of the ship, 


IN ALASKA. 


61 


which was a sailing vessel, lay a number of barrels 
and boxes, and it appeared as though the crew had 
hastily taken what provisions they needed and left 
the wreck in the lifeboats. Edward was overjoyed 
to find that the boxes contained provisions, and that 
there was fresh water in one of the barrels. A din- 
gey was also on boards near the stern, but it was 
partly filled with water. Edward wondered when 
the craft had been abandoned, and how much longer 
it would float. Although desperately tired and 
sleepy, he decided to provide for his safety first of 
all. He bailed out the little boat, provided himself 
with oars and all the stores and water that the frail 
craft would hold, and rowing some distance away, 
to be out of the suction of the ship if she should 
suddenly sink, he ate and drank and then lay down 
on the bottom and fell into a deep sleep. The sun 
was high in the sky when he awoke. He looked 
about for the wreck, but it was nowhere to be seen. 
Quite a sea was now running, and the ship had evi- 
dently been relieved of the air under her decks and 
sunk. 

It made Edward feel quite lonely that the old hulk 
was gone, but he was grateful for what he consid- 


62 


JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


ered a providential escape from immediate death. 
If no severe storm arose^ he felt that there was some 
chance of his being rescued, as he was right in the 
path of many steamers plying between the States 
and Alaska, and if he met none of these he would 
row for shore, which he hoped tO' be able to reach at 
least by the next day. 

While gazing over the waters, he suddenly beheld 
a strange sight, and at the same time heard a tre- 
mendous groan. It was a monster whale, not a 
hundred yards away, and Edward watched its 
movements. Suddenly it disappeared, but in a 
moment was at the surface again, and made a breach 
almost clear from the surface, spouting blood and 
water. While the whale was still in the air, a 
thrasher, a fish somewhat resembling a porpoise, 
also leaped from the water, and came down with 
tremendous force on the whale’s back, before the 
leviathan went under. At the same time a saw- 
fish ran its ugly saw into the whale’s side. With two 
such antagonists there was small chance for the 
whale, but he fought furiously, and three times 
made those mighty leaps into the air, each time 
spouting more blood than before. Then the whale. 


IN ALASKA. 


63 


evidently seeing that it was no match for the 
thrasher and the sawfish, made all possible haste 
to get away, but the two speedy and light fish fol- 
lowed, and the last seen of them the whale appeared 
to be losing strength and was less active. 

Edward then took his bearings by the sun, and 
struck out manfully for the east. The Charlotte 
Islands were the nearest land, and these were 
sighted in a few hours, but at the same time he saw 
the smoke of a steamer far to the south. 

It appeared that he was almost in the track of the 
approaching boat, and he rigged up a flag of dis- 
tress to attract her attention, if she came within sig- 
naling distance. 

In a remarkably short space of time the boat was 
in plain sight, and Edward rowed with all possible 
speed to intercept her. As she came nearer and 
nearer he was overjoyed to suddenly hear her great, 
deep whistle give forth several long blasts. He 
looked, and saw that she was slowing down, and 
that a boat was being lowered. He waved his arms 
joyfully, and then rowed to meet the approaching 
boat of the steamer. 


64 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


“What’s the trouble?” finally called out the man 
in charge of the ship’s boat. 

“I want to be taken aboard your steamer!” an- 
swered Edward. 

“All right, my lad!” came the answer. “Just 
throw us your bowline, and be handy about it!” 

Edward did as requested, and he was soon being 
towed along at a tremendous speed. As the boats 
reached the steamer, which was the Queen, they 
were quickly hoisted on the upper deck, and the 
gong signaled to the engineer to again get under 
full headway. . 

Edward was gazed at curiously by the passengers, 
and all were anxious to know how he came to be in 
such a predicament. But he was taken to the cap- 
tain, and he asked to be allowed to speak to him 
alone. 

As Edward’s story was being told, the captain 
could hardly believe all that he heard, but he ad- 
mired the bright young man, and there was no 
doubt in his mind that a great deal of what was said 
was true. The first officer was called in, and when 
the story was being told him by the captain, he 
exclaimed : 



I 


1 


CAPTAIN HARDY, WHO WAS NARROWLY WATCHING THE GRIFFIN PARTY, NOW AROSE AND CAME FORWARD. 

— See page $2, 





IN ALASKA. 


65 


“James Griffin! Why, I know him well, and Joe 
Farrell, too! And what I hear concerning Captain 
Hardy is entirely consistent with his past record. 
Why, he was released a short time ago from prison! 
You are fortunate, young man, for having escaped 
death, as this is the most remarkable thing I ever 
heard of. It will go hard with Captain Hardy if he 
can be convicted of this crime, but as no one saw 
him commit the deed, it will be difficult to hold 
him.’’ 

“Oh, if I could only let my friends know that I 
am alive!” cried Edward. 

“Never mind about that, my lad. We shall be in 
Skaguay within a day of the Jeanette, and the Grif- 
fin party will still be there, or at Dyea, when we 
arrive.” 

It was with great impatience that Edward awaited 
the arrival of the Queen at Skaguay. 

The news soon spread among the passengers that 
the new town of Skaguay would be reached by next 
day^ and there was not one person on board who 
was not glad to land at the first point of interest on 
the journey to the gold fields. A large number of 
the passengers wished to be let off as near Dyea as 


66 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


possible, so the captain of the Queen decided to 
land those who wished to disembark at Skagnay, 
and then proceed to Dyea, about five miles farther 
north. 

At Skaguay inquiries were made regarding the 
Griffin party, and it was learned that they had just 
left with their supplies on a scow, for Dyea. Edward 
desired to get ashore and proceed there on foot, but 
the captain advised him to wait until he could go on 
the Queen or some other boat. 

Edward went ashore to look at the bustling town. 
Many log houses were being constructed, and hun- 
dreds of tents lined the paths that were called 
streets. 

Hundreds of men were leaving daily for the gold 
fields, and all manner of conveyances were in use 
for transporting their goods. Nobody was idle, and 
all appeared happy. These men, who were obliged 
to work all day, enjoyed their short periods of rest 
so much that it was a real pleasure. One who is 
never busy does not know what rest means. 

Edward went among the men, and gave several 
of them a helping hand in loading their goods. He 


IN ALASKA. 


67 


felt that he must da something to pass away the 
time. 

While thus employed, Edward was startled to 
hear a man exclaim in great surprise, not unmixed 
with horror: 

“Jack, who is that! The newsboy, as sure as I 
live!” 

Edward recognized the voice, and looked around, 
to see Captain Hardy and Jack Williams staring at 
him as though he were a ghost! 


68 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER VIIL 

OUR FRIENDS REACH ALASKA. • 

When the Jeanette arrived at Skaguay, James im- 
mediately secured a scow and by next morning the 
supplies of our party were being taken to Dyea. It 
was hard work for all the men and especially so for 
the professor and Francis, both of whom were unac- 
customed to physical labor. But all were strong 
and energetic, and worked with a good will. 

They congratulated themselves that they were rid 
of Captain Hardy, who had been ashore nearly all 
day. 

They had made up their minds that under no cir- 
cumstances would they allow the captain and his 
rough-looking companion to accompany them, and 
James was anxious to immediately push ahead and 
leave Captain Hardy far behind. 

Dyea was not much of a town as yet, but it was 
full of fortune-seekers, who could not find sufficient 


IN ALASKA. 


help to pack their outfits over the ice-capped moun- 
tains, which loomed up menacingly back of the vil- 
lage. 

Mosquitoes were still plentiful during the day, 
and they were so industrious in presenting their 
bills, that Helen suffered greatly, which led the pro- 
fessor to make some remarks concerning them. 

“The mosquito’s bill,” he said, “minutely delicate 
as that organ is, is simply a tool-box in which are 
kept six separate surgical instruments — miniature 
blood-letting apparatus of the most perfect pattern. 
Two of these instruments are exact counterparts of 
the surgeon’s lance. One is a spear, with a double- 
barbed head. The third is a needle of exquisite 
fineness. A saw and a pump go to make up this 
wonderful complement of tools. The spear is the 
largest of the six, and is used in making the initial 
puncture. Next the lances are brought into play, 
their work causing the blood to flow more freely. 
In case this last operation fails to have the desired 
effect, the saw and the needle are carefully inserted 
in a lateral direction in the victim’s flesh. The 
pump, the most delicate instrument of the entire set, 
is used in transferring the blood to the insect, all 


70 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


of which ought to make the mosquito an interesting 
creature.’' 

'‘And all of which,” said Helen, repeating the pro- 
fessor’s last words, “will make me shiver every time 
I see one of them coming toward me.” 

“They won’t last but a few days more,” said the 
professor, “as the weather is getting colder rapidly 
now.” 

James soon made arrangements with four strong 
Chilkoot Indians to help dO' the packing to the 
head of water navigation. He also secured an Alas- 
kan sled for his goats. These sleds are built of wood 
as light as is consistent with strength, and are lashed 
together with hide ropes, so that the whole frame- 
work will “give” readily, and not be easily broken 
by the constant rough usage to which they are sub- 
jected. The sled is from nine to ten feet long, and 
eighteen or twenty inches wide, with the runners 
one foot deep, shod with walrus ivory or strips of 
whalebone. The sides are about eighteen inches in 
height, and at the rear end of the sled are handles 
coming up high enough for a man to push and guide 
it without bending very much. There is a cover 
made of light drilling, which is spread in the bottom 


IN ALASKA. 


71 


of the sled, and large enough so that after the arti- 
cles have been packed on snugly it hauls up over the 
load and the ends overlap on top. The load is then 
lashed the whole length of the side with hide thongs. 

James saw a number of sleds with dogs attached, 
leaving with supplies for the north, and the sight 
did not impress him very favorably. It was not 
much like the pictures he had seen of traveling in 
Alaska, with a man seated comfortably on the sled 
cracking a long whip and the dogs galloping at ease. 
He saw that the poor little animals frequently had 
to be helped over rough places, and even when 
going up the slightest incline. One of the Indians 
ran ahead to guide the' animals and several were 
pushing the sleigh to make it move at all. 

So he congratulated himself that he did not have 
to depend on dogs to get his goods forward. 

Francis called the professor’s attention to the 
great length of the gun barrels of the Indians, es- 
pecially of the older makes. 

‘T’ve heard about those guns,” answered the pro- 
fessor; ‘‘in the early days the traders with the In- 
dians gave the poor, untutored savages their rifles 
for a pile of furs laid flat that reached to the muzzle 


72 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


of the weapon standing upright. Of course, these 
traders were greedy, and each year they made the 
gun barrels longer, until at last some of the In- 
dians, after they had bought the weapons with their 
pelts, were compelled to borrow a file and cut off a 
foot or more of useless metal.” 

Accommodations were very scarce in Dyea, so 
our party pitched their tents, and for the first time 
experienced what was to be a regular mode of 
living. 

The professor and Francis volunteered to secure 
tent poles, and with axes over their shoulders, 
started for the woods. They supposed that it would 
be an easy job and thought that the “woods were 
full of them,” but they were mistaken. They finally 
found a ridgepole, however, and when they had cut 
it down they wondered how Gladstone could have 
enjoyed doing that work just for recreation. After 
the uprights were secured, each had a big load to 
carry, and then came the job of fastening the stay- 
ropes. But Joe came to the rescue, and soon the 
tent was up. 

They were well supplied with furs, and Francis 
went out again and collected a lot of evergreen 


IN ALASKA. 


73 


branches, on which the blankets were laid. Helen 
was made as comfortable as possible in her small 
tent, and the men occupied the large one. 

“What are you trying to do, Professor?’^ asked 
Francis, as the professor looked at his compass 
before placing his blankets for the night. 

“I’m going to sleep with my head to the north. 
I always slept that way at home, and have neglected 
doing so altogether too long.” 

“What for?” asked Francis, puzzled. 

“For the simple reason that I think that was the 
way in which nature intended us to sleep. If the 
human body could be suspended in the air, hung 
like a magnetic needle, you would find it would act 
like one. The head of the body would eventually 
point toward the north. It might take time, but it 
would surely get there. I think that every person 
should sleep with the head to the north, to get the 
benefit of the magnetic currents that come from that 
direction.” 

“If you are sure it will not harm me,” said Fran- 
cis, smiling, “I’ll try sleeping with my head to the 
north, too.” 

In the morning all felt well, and it seemed that 


74 


JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


the outdoor air was strengthening, and conducive 
to a good appetite, for all ate heartily of the meal 
prepared by Helen and Joe, who insisted on helping 
Helen with the work. He had cooked his own 
meals so many years that he was quite handy in the 
kitchen. 

James and Joe had rigged up an odd-looking ve- 
hicle in order to solve the question of more easily 
transporting their supplies along the narrow trails, 
to the head of water navigation. A wheel was made 
about five feet high, with handles some twelve feet 
long on each side under the axletree, and on each 
side of the wheel was built a framework, hung from 
the handles, on which could be carried over 500 
pounds of provisions. A man in front and one be- 
hind could make good progress over comparatively 
level ground and when rough places were encoun- 
tered, the goods could be taken off and carried in 
the ordinary manner. The unicycle was an excellent 
contrivance, as the wheel supported the load, and all 
the men had to do was to push and pull it forward. 

The weather was beginning to get chilly, espe- 
cially at night. The days were rapidly growing 


IN ALASKA. 


75 


shorter, and winter, with all its severity, would soon 
be upon them. 

On the third day after the arrival of our party at 
Dyea, our friends were at the beach. Although a 
cold, raw wind was blowing, they were well-dressed 
and did not mind it, and while watching a steamer 
loading goods on lighters, they were attracted by a 
shout from the beach, and on looking they saw a 
young man on a scow waving his hat at them. 

“Who can that be?” questioned Helen. 

“I haven’t the remotest idea,” answered James, 
“but he seems to know us.” 

But Joe, who had eyes like a telescope, and whose 
vision had not been made short by living in cities, 
exclaimed : 

“It’s Edward, as sure as I live!” 

“Nonsense, Joe,” returned James. “Impossible! 
We can hardly distinguish the figure, much less the 
features!” 

But Joe had looked again sharply, and calling 
out, “It’s Edward!” he ran toward the beach. 
Knowing that he had keen eyesight, all hands made 
haste to the water’s edge to see if it were really true. 

Sure enough, there on a boat stood Edward, alive 


76 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and well, and smiling. Joe yelled a greeting of 
''Hello, Edward!” and James and Helen and the 
others heard him answer: "Hello, Joe! How are 
you all?” and then as the others came near enough 
he shouted to each one, and as soon as the boat got 
into shallow water he jumped off and waded ashore. 
As Joe got through hugging him/ he was greeted 
warmly and affectionately by the others. 

"By all the Arabian Nights tales,” said the pro- 
fessor, as he grasped Edward’s hands, "how did you 
come to life again?” 

Edward related how he had been thrown over- 
board by Captain Hardy and Jack Williams, and 
how he had been saved. 

"Captain Hardy shall answer for his actions,” said 
James, as he realized again with horror the char- 
acter of his old enemy. "I do not understand how a 
man could commit such an act.” 

" 'Homo homini lupus,’ man is a wolf to man,” 
said the professor, "and Captain Hardy seems to be 
a wolf if ever there was one.” 

"If he were now here,” said Joe savagely, "I think 
I should be tempted and justified in shooting him 
on the spot. There are no courts here, and so we 


IN ALASKA. 


77 


must act for ourselves when any crime is commit- 
ted/^ 

“Let us first be thankful/' said Helen, “that Ed- 
ward is alive and with us again, and leave Captain 
Hardy to his guilty conscience." 

“Helen is right," said James, “but I hope Captain 
Hardy will forever hereafter keep out of our sight." 


78 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER IX. 

OFF FOR THE GREAT CHILKOOT PASS. 

When Captain Hardy saw Edward standing there 
before him, he was stunned. He could not under- 
stand how “the newsboy,” whom he had cast over- 
board out in the ocean on a dark night, could be 
there in Skaguay, alive, and apparently none the 
worse for his experience. 

Captain Hardy knew that he was now in a coun- 
try where lawless acts would not be tolerated. 
Every man there constituted himself a policeman, 
also a judge, and a long trial with an able lawyer to 
get him free on some technicality, was not yet a part 
of the civilization of the district. 

He concluded that it was best to get out of sight 
and keep quiet, and he therefore walked away as 
quickly as possible, and his partner slunk after him. 

Captain Hardy was now dejected and almost dis- 
couraged. All his plans so far had come to naught. 


IN ALASKA. 


79 


He began to think that it was useless to attempt to 
triumph over James and his friends, but he was in 
desperate straits, and must do something. Instead 
of attempting to make an honest living, his 
thoughts again reverted to schemes of getting pos- 
session of other people’s property, although he real- 
ized that it might mean his death if he were de- 
tected. He had little money, and but a small 
amount of provisions, still he could have done well 
at that time by remaining right where he was and 
going to work, or he could have made big money 
by helping the goldseekers in getting their outfits 
forward. But his dislike for work, and his hatred 
of James and his friends, were equally great. He 
had his choice to live fast or slow, to- live abstemi- 
ously or intensely; to draw his life over a large 
space, or to condense it into a narrow one; but when 
it was finished he could have no more. Captain 
Hardy chose the short life method; he would rather 
take his chances for a year of ease and plenty, at any 
sacrifice, than a long period of honest toil, and the 
opportunity to gain merit in the sight of God. 

Edward looked after the retreating figures of 
Captain Hardy and his companion, with feelings of 


SQ JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 

compassion. He regretted that these two men 
should be so steeped in crime as to be almost be- 
yond redemption. Edward thought how different 
it all might be with them if they had been honest 
and true! They could both have been with James 
Griffin and proceeding peacefully and happily to 
their destination. They could have helped each 
other in distress and cheered those in sorrow. But 
now they were despised and distrusted by all who 
knew them, and they were even liable to arrest and 
a long term of imprisonment for their late act. 

Edward was recalled to himself by the blowing of 
a whistle in the bay, and returned to the steamer. A 
party of men had just made their arrangements with 
a scow owner to take their goods to Dyea, and Ed- 
ward was given permission to accompany them. 
So, bidding good-bye to the captain and the others 
whom he had come to know so well on board, he 
was soon on his way to James and his friends. 

After Edward had joined his companions there 
was nothing wanting to complete their happiness, 
and after a short delay they again began to prepare 
for their journey overland. 

While anxious to push on to their destination. 



IT’S 15DWARD, AS SUR© AS I TIV^!” EJXCIyAIMED JOE— M 




IN ALASKA. 


81 


James decided that it would be best to take it easy 
at first, so as to toughen themselves gradually and 
keep themselves in good health. 

While the professor, Francis and Edward were 
taking down their tent and packing their goods, 
they were accosted by a rollicking son of the Emer- 
ald Isle, and he soon had everyone laughing. He 
had a wooden leg, and he was sO' droll in his remarks 
that he was bound to have a good time, even though 
he didn’t find an ounce of gold. Helen, James and 
Joe were attracted by the noise of the merriment, 
and after several passes between Pat and the profes- 
sor, who always relished talking tO' a witty Irishman, 
the professor asked: 

“Say, Pat, are you related to the Irishman who 
declared that the moon is more useful than the sun, 
because it shines at night, when it is needed?” 

“Sure an’ Oi am. He was me brother. He was 
wan of th’ smartest men Oi iver knew. He was onct 
arristed for stalin’ a pig, and three witnesses testi- 
fied that they saw him take it, but he got free, any- 
way.” 

“How did he manage it?” asked the professor. 

“Aisy enough. He got six witnesses to swear 


82 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 

that they didn’t see him stale it,” answered Pat, tri- 
umphantly. 

*‘How do' you like tent life in Alaska?” asked the 
professor. 

“It isn’t much loike a hotel Oi stayed at wan 
night in Seattle,” answered Pat. “Iverything there 
was handy. Yez didn’t have to go down to th’ river 
loike here to get a drink of wa-ater, but they had it 
roight in yer room* — hot and cold. Sure an’ it was 
a wonderful place, Oi till yez, all but wan thing. 
They kipt th’ loight burnin’ all night in me bid- 
room, an’ it hurt me oiyes.” 

“Why didn’t you blow it out?” asked the pro- 
fessor. 

“Oi tried it, sor, iveryway, but th’ loight was in- 
soide of a bottle, an’ Oi couldn’t git at it!” 

“It must have been an incandescent light,” said 
the professor, smiling. 

“No, sor; there was no Tan’ about it; it was a 
bottle loight.” And then he added: “Are yez people 
goin’ to sthop at th’ nixt sthopping place?” 

“No,” answered the professor, “we are going by 
the next place we stop at.” 

“Are yez railly goin’ to sthop sthoppin’ at th’ 


IN ALASKA. 


83 


nixt sthop you go by? It’s different with me; I 
have to sthop quite often, as me wooden lig isn’t as 
good as the other, but it saved me loife onct, and 
it has always bin dear to me since.” 

“How was that?” ventured the professor. 

“Well, Oi don’t moind tillin’ yez. Ye see, it was 
this way : I shipped before th’ mast about tin years 
agO', in a trading vessel on a cruise among th’ South 
Sea Oilands. While siveral of us ware on shore on 
an oisland, lookin’ fur frish fruit, we ware captured 
by a band of cannibals, but they could talk and un- 
derstand English. Ye see, missionaries had been 
there, but they got toired of thim and foinally killed 
an’ ate thim. They intinded tO' have a faste on us, 
too, but wan day whin the chief came around to see 
if we ware gittin’ in proime condition, Oi towld him 
that we ware too tough to ate, and Oi said that if he 
ate me he would get sick, an’ then Oi raised up me 
trousers, and cut off a pace of me cork lig for him 
to taste. He made a boite into it, and not bein’ able 
tO' chew it, he went back to his friends, and they all 
took a boite at it. Well, they lit us go, and we got 
back to the ship all roight.” 

“You’ll dO', Pat,” said the professor, “but do you 


84 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


think you can make your way through all right, 
crippled as you are?” 

'‘Sure, an’ Oi can,” answered Pat. “Yez may not 
belave it, but whin Oi was livin’ in St. Louis Oi used 
to shwim across th’ river three toimes ivery mornin’ 
before breakfast.” 

"Did you swim with your clothes on?” asked the 
professor. 

“Surtainly not,” answered Pat. "Oi kept me 
clothes on the river bank.” 

"Pat,” said the professor, "you compel me to take 
that swimming record 'cum grano salis’ (that’s an 
expression the Romans used when the soup was too 
salty).” 

"Yez do me gr-reat injustice,” answered Pat. 

"See here, Pat, you say you swam across three 
times every morning. I figure out that in doing so 
you would always leave your clothes on the opposite 
side of the river.” 

"Niver moind about that, me frind,” answered 
Pat, "Oi must have made a mistake about the num- 
ber, that’s awl. But don’t fear fur me, gintlemen. 
Bless the Lord Oi have wan good lig lift, and Oi 
niver found it necessary to bate me way. One day 


IN ALASKA. 


85 


Oi asked a lady fer a dinner. She said she would 
give me somethin’ to ate if Oi’d bate her carpet. 
‘Lady,’ Oi answered, ‘Oi’m a poor cripple, an’ I’m 
hungry, but Oi’m honest, and Oi’m not goin’ to 
begin at this late day a-batin’ me way through the 
world.’ Well, gintlemen, Oi must be a-goin’. A 
man down town wanted me tO' do a job quick for 
him. Oi said Oi would get it finished if Oi wurked 
awl night. In the mornin’ he asked me if I was 
through. ‘No,’ says Oi. ‘But,’ says he, ‘you said 
you’d have it done if you wurked awl night.’ ‘Yis,’ 
says Oi, ‘but Oi didn’t wur-ruk all night!’” And 
then he added: 

“What part of the country did yez come from?” 

“From San Francisco,” answered the professor, 

“Is that so? Whin Oi was there th’ last time, Oi 
losht a nickel on wan of the strates. It wint betwane 
th’ cracks in th’ sidewalk, and we tore up a grate 
many boards, but couldn’t foind it. Did yez ever 
hear of its being found?” 

“When was that?” 

“About tin years ago.” 

“Here it is,” answered the professor, taking a 
coin out of his pocket. “I found it just after you 


86 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


left, and have been looking for the owner ever 
since/’ 

“Thank you,” said Pat, with great delight, as he 
took the coin. “Yez a gintleman, yez are, and Oi 
may call on yez again befor’ ye go.” 

“A hundred thousand welcomes if you do, or as 
your ancestors would have said it, 'cead mille 
failthe,’ ” said the professor. 

“Thank ye, thank ye,” and whistling merrily, Pat 
hobbled away, and was soon lost to view. 

There being but little snow on the ground as yet, 
it would be impossible to depend on the goats to do 
much hauling, so the Indians and the unicycle were 
loaded and all the members of our party except 
Francis started up the trail. It was decided that 
Francis should look after the remainder of the pro- 
visions, until the others returned. For miles ahead, 
the trail was dotted with men packing their outfits. 
The Indians carried big loads, as they were strong 
and accustomed to the work, and James, Joe, the 
professor and Edward followed. Helen, too, carried 
a number of articles that she would need in prepar- 
ing the next meal, and she started off as joyous as 
a bird. 


IN ALASKA. 


87 


Francis didn’t much like being idle when there 
was so much tO' do, and all the others were working, 
but it was arranged that he was to accompany them 
on the next trip, while one of the others watched 
the provisions. 

For several hours Francis remained near the out- 
fit, getting everything in shape to facilitate packing 
for the next trip, and when he saw that all was in 
good order he took a stroll into Dyea to watch the 
arrival of other gold seekers. It was an interesting 
sight, and the feverish haste with which the men 
prepared to go forward, would lead one to suppose 
that their very lives depended upon their getting to 
Dawson City in the shortest possible time. 

Francis did not notice that two men were watch- 
ing him from a distance, and following him to where 
the provisions were located. They saw that he was 
alone, and there was a triumphant look in their eyes 
as they watched him from behind some hills a few 
hundred yards distant. 

These men were Captain Hardy and Jack Wil- 
liams, who' had arrived at Dyea during the day, and, 
seeing Francis, immediately began planning to get 
possession of the provisions of our party. 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER X. 

WHAT HAS BECOME OF FRANCIS? 

The trip of James and his party to the foot of 
Chilkoot Pass was a great novelty, and in many 
respects a pleasant journey. The air, filled with 
ozone, made their pulses bound; they felt the life 
and motion about them, and admired the universal 
beauty. The trail was lined with Indians, adventur- 
ers, and gold seekers, and here and there was en- 
countered a man discouraged and returning to the 
States. These disheartened men had arrived at the 
great rocky barriers, and, through fatigue, home- 
sickness, or change of mind, were now as anxious 
to get home as they had formerly been to go to 
Alaska. Several successful Klondykers, who were 
returning home with their hard-earned gold dust, 
were also met. Among them were two young fel- 
lows who counted their wealth up into the thou- 
sands of dollars. They had been in Alaska for sev- 


IN ALASKA. 


89 


eral years, and although under thirty years of age, 
and grand, strong six-footers, they had paid the 
penalty of their getting a fortune. They both 
walked like men over forty years old, with gray 
hairs about their temples, and a serious, determined 
look in their faces. But where two men were suc- 
cessful^ there were a hundred who were poorer, be- 
sides being broken in health. 

Seeing these empty-handed Klondykers return- 
ing, led the professor to remark: 

“Many persons seem to think that the Alaskan 
gold fields show unmistakable signs of incircum- 
scriptibleness. They find, to their chagrin, however, 
that such is not the case.’’ 

James conversed with all the people he met, and 
drew his own conclusions from their tales of riches 
or woe. 

There were also distressing scenes witnessed. 
Many were their own pack-horses, for the reason 
that they had not the money to hire help. Probably 
nowhere else in the world were such scenes ever wit- 
nessed. Until James went to Alaska, he never saw 
a harness made for a man. It was an arrangement 
of breast and shoulder straps, with a wooden frame, 


90 


JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


and canvas for the back. Upon this frame is packed 
a varied assortment of supplies. It is surprising 
what a great amount of goods a man can thus carry. 
Besides, he even has a load in one hand, while with 
the other he uses a staff, to keep from sinking in 
some bog, or to balance himself in crossing some 
stream on a slippery log. Loaded down in such a 
manner, it would be thought a severe task even for 
a man inured to hard work, but many such were 
professional men, who had not done a day's physical 
labor in years, forgetting their grammar, but learn- 
ing profane language instead. Of course, at first, 
they thought they must die, and almost wished they 
could, but they finally became hardened, and at last 
could even joke over their hardships. 

It was also a day of toil for our friends. James 
and Joe worked hard propelling the unicycle, and 
the professor and Edward looked after and aided the 
goat team. 

Our party finally arrived at the Scales, an ex- 
tremely interesting spot. It is the last resting place 
before beginning the ascent of Chilkoot Pass on the 
northern journey. Looking up at the great moun- 


IN ALASKA. 


91 


tains, and to think of getting one’s supplies over the 
rocks and glaciers, is discouraging, indeed. 

It was decided that James and Helen should re- 
main at the Scales, while Joe, the professor and Ed- 
ward returned for the next load of goods; so in the 
morning, good-byes were said, and our three friends 
started on the return trip to Dyea, about seventeen 
miles distant. 

After going several hours they took a rest, and 
ate their luncheon. 

After a pleasant chat, our friends again continued 
their march; and finally arrived in Dyea. Joe and 
Edward cheered lustily when they came in sight of 
their camping ground, but there was no* answering 
shout from Francis. As they drew nearer they found 
that most of their provisions were gone, and Francis 
was nowhere to be seen. 

Edward ran down to Healy’s store to make in- 
quiries. Francis had been there the afternoon be- 
fore, but no one had seen him since. A thorough 
search was made, but not a trace of him could be 
found. Even Pat, the jolly Irishman, had not seen 
him that day, although he had come up on his 
wooden leg to have a sociable chat. The disorder 


92 


JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


in which the few; remaining goods lay, and the 
absence of their companion, caused general alarm, 
and Joe soon came to the conclusion that robbery, 
or perhaps murder, had been committed! Where 
could Francis be? And who had carried off most of 
their supplies? 


IN ALASKA, 


93 


CHAPTER XL 

FRANCIS’ TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE. 

Francis, as he prepared to make himself comfort- 
able for the night, was unconscious that Captain 
Hardy and his partner were watching his every 
movement from a distance. 

There was little to fear, either from robbers or 
from wild beasts, so Francis felt perfectly at ease. 
No one at Dyea had so' far made complaint of rob- 
bery, and every man went about the work of for- 
warding his supplies, as though the inhabitants of 
Alaska were known to be perfectly honest. It was 
not thought that any man of Captain Hardy’s kind 
had arrived. 

There were many opportunities for the captain 
to steal unprotected supplies, but he preferred to 
secure those of the Griffin party, so as to cripple 
them, and^ he hoped, prevent them from going for- 
ward, for a time at least. 


94 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


From their hiding-place the captain and his part- 
ner watched Francis making preparations for the 
night, and after they felt sure that he was asleep. 
Captain Hardy proceeded carefully forward, fol- 
lowed by Williams. 

Stealthily they crept upon their victim, and cau- 
tiously opening the flap of the canvas Francis had 
raised for protection, they saw him lying on some 
furs. Quietly they entered, and taking a strong 
rope, which they had brought with them, and a piece 
of cloth, they placed the latter over his face to pre- 
vent an outcry, and quickly proceeded to bind 
Francis with the rope, as he lay struggling. Francis 
awoke suddenly, his first thought being that he was 
in the embrace of a bear, as he could not move his 
arms. Then he felt himself being gagged, and real- 
ized that it was the work of human beings. He 
attempted to cry out, but could not utter a sound. 
He struggled desperately, but could do no more 
than roll over. He was bound hand and foot! 

‘‘No use struggling so, my fine fellow,” he heard 
a voice say, a voice which sounded familiar. “Take 
hold of his legs. Jack,” said the same voice, “and 
we shall soon get him out of the way.” 


IN ALASKA. 


95 


Were they going to throw him into the water, or 
over some precipice? were the first thoughts of 
Francis, and in his agony of mind he again endeav- 
ored to make an outcry, but could not. Francis 
felt himself being carried over the uneven ground, 
and thinking he had but a few hours more to live, 
he determined to spend them in making his peace 
with God. 

“A pretty heavy load, eh. Jack?” remarked 
Hardy. “Were it gold we are carrying, it would 
not be so bad, but if this were James Griffin we had 
here, I think I would prefer it to the biggest nugget 
ever unearthed. Fd like to have him bagged and 
throw him over that high cliff into the ocean as 
the jailors did with Edmund Dantes, but I’d make 
sure that he never came to the surface again.” 

“That voice!” thought Francis. “Why, it is Cap- 
tain Hardy’s! Thank heaven it is not James they 
have here instead of me! But what can he mean to 
do? I never did him any harm.” 

Francis had not long to wonder, for he was soon 
dropped near the shore among some rocks, and then 
Captain Hardy said: 

“You may blame James Griffin for your present 


96 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


misfortunes, and if you should die here, as is very 
likely, you will at least have plenty of time to pre- 
pare yourself for the next world. You probably 
have some money in your coat pocket, which it 
would be useless to leave with you,” and loosening 
the bindings around the shoulders, Captain Hardy 
searched the inside pockets of Francis’ coat and 
soon found a pocketbook containing several hun- 
dred dollars. 

Captain Hardy was highly pleased with the find, 
and rebinding Francis securely, the two men hur- 
riedly departed. They immediately went to where 
the supplies were left, and soon removed most of 
them to a different location. Then they went to the 
village, and, although late in the evening, they en- 
gaged half a dozen Indians to take their supplies 
across the mountains to the Skaguay trail the first 
thing in the morning. The distance across was 
about seven or eight miles, but as that district was 
practically untraveled, it was quite an undertaking. 
Captain Hardy gave a satisfactory excuse for so 
unusual a proceeding, saying that he expected to 
meet friends, but that he had just come to the con- 
clusion that they were to go by the Skaguay trail. 



JAME:S and joe PROPElvIyED THEIR UNICYCEE AND THE PROFESSOR AND EDWARD EOOKED AFTER THE 

GOAT TEAM.— 5^^ page go. 







IN ALASKA. 


97 


which runs almost parallel with the Dyea trail, about 
ten miles apart. They join each other at the foot 
of Lake Linderman. 

Let us return to Francis, who was lying bound 
and gagged, nearly a mile from where the supplies 
had been left. After his abductors had departed, he 
made every effort! to* release himself, but soon real- 
ized that it was impossible. He lay there for hours, 
meditating over his terrible position, and the fright- 
ful prospect of dying of hunger, thirst or cold. But ^ 
at last nature asserted herself, and Francis fell asleep. 

When he awoke, early in the morning, he was stiff 
and lame, and as he again realized his position, and 
the hopelessness of his ever being discovered, the 
thought almose drove him mad. 

‘'Must I, yet so young, die so miserable a death?” 
he asked himself. “No, I must release myself some 
way,” and he tugged at his bonds with all his 
strength. It was of no use, but just then he felt the 
handle of his knife in his pocket. Oh, if he could 
only get it out and cut the rope that bound him ! He 
severely lacerated his arms in trying to free them, 
but he could do nothing. He then seriously thought 
of everything he had ever read or heard of in an en- 


98 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


deavor to suggest tO' his mind some method of 
escape. Finally there flashed to his view an athletic 
contest he had once seen, in which a number of men 
were tied up in bags around the legs and neck, as 
he was, and then he saw them start on a race. Some 
went off on jumps, and made great headway, while 
others fell, and not being able to get up, rolled over 
and over, and finally covered the distance. Why 
could he not do the same? But first he must get 
the cloth from his eyes, which he partially accom- 
plished by rubbing his head against a rock. 

Francis made an effort to get on his feet. He was 
in a little hollow, and could not do so. He then 
tried rolling, which he was able to do until he came 
to some rocks, which barred his progress. After a 
great deal of moving about, Francis finally suc- 
ceeded in getting on his feet, but he was so' tied up 
that he could hardly see or move. He made several 
jumps, and was ready to shout for joy at his prog- 
ress, when he struck a stone and fell over, severely 
hurting himself. Nothing daunted, he continued 
his efforts, and after half an hour was again on his 
feet. He found it difficult to retain his balance, but 
by careful work he made some headway, and calcu- 


IN ALASKA. 


99 


lated that by night he might be able to reach Dyea. 
So on he struggled, sometimes jumping, sometimes 
rolling over and over. He was hungry and thirsty, 
and greatly fatigued, besides being terribly bruised. 
He had fallen on his arms on the sharp rocks so 
often, that they and his shoulders were very sore. 
By noon he had gone half the distance, and while 
resting on a rock, looking around as best he could, 
he saw in the distance Joe, the professor and Ed- 
ward, standing near where he had been bound in his 
sleep. He attempted to shout for joy, but nothing 
but a gurgle escaped his lips. Oh, if he could only 
let them know of his whereabouts! The sight 
caused Francis to redouble his efforts. He jumped, 
fell, rolled and struggled along, until he was almost 
exhausted. Slowly, but surely, he was lessening the 
distance between them! 

At last, standing up where the ground now 
sloped toward their camp, Francis saw that he was 
noticed ! But would they recognize him tied up as 
he was? Still, they saw him, and their curiosity was 
awakened. 

Joe's sharp eyes were the first to see the strange 


L.oFG. 


100 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


sight, but he could not imagine what it was that was 
alternately jumping and rolling on the ground. 

The professor watched the object some time, and 
then remarked: 

“Looks as though it might be a sea lion; but 
what would it be doing away up there? Most 
remarkable thing I ever saw,” continued the pro- 
fessor, as the object made a few jumps and again 
fell at full length among the rocks. 

“Shall I go up and see what it is?” asked Ed- 
ward, who was quite curious to learn what the ob- 
ject was. 

“Let us all go,” suggested Joe. “Get your revol- 
vers ready, in case of need, as there is no telling 
what it may be.” 

In less than ten minutes they were very near 
Francis. Joe shouted to the tied-up figure, asking 
what was the matter, but there was no answer. The 
figure only made desperate efforts to get to them. 

“Who are you and what is the matter?” shouted 
the professor. “Can we do anything for you?” 

Still no answer came, but the figure fell over and 
lay quite still. Francis in his agony had fainted! 

Our friends approached near enough to see the 


IN ALASKA. 


101 


ghastly and bruised face and disheveled hair, and 
then Joe, with choking voice, cried: 

‘"It’s Francis! How came he in such a position?” 

His bonds were quickly cut, and eager hands 
rubbed his arms and body, and soon he opened his 
eyes, and seeing he was rescued, he again became 
unconscious. Joe took Francis in his arms, and, 
with the help of the others, carried him to Dyea, 
where he soon recovered sufficiently to relate his 
story. 


102 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XII. 

JAMES HEARS OF EDWARD’s FATHER. 

Let US return to James, who, with Helen and the 
Indian, packers, were to remain at the Scales while 
the others went tO' Dyea for another load of provi- 
sions and would not be back until late in the evenv 
ing under the most favorable circumstances. 

There were many people there taking a well- 
earned rest, and left their tents pitched until they 
could get their supplies over the Chilkoot Pass. 
This required several trips, as each man was sup- 
posed to have at least one thousand pounds of pro- 
visions, and the Canadian authorities enforced this 
rule. 

James’ intention was to have the Indians get the 
supplies over the pass by the time the next load 
arrived, and after each of them had begun the 
ascent, his attention was attracted to a tent near by 
where a fortune-seeker was said to be quite sick. 


IN ALASKA. 


103 


“Poor fellow!” remarked a man, who was walk- 
ing away, “Pm afraid he’s nearly done for. It 
doesn’t seem as though he could live much longer.” 

“Who is it that is ill?” asked James. 

“Oh, a fellow that’s bound for the interior some- 
where. He’d been to Dyea for some supplies, and 
he has a partner away off to the northwest, toward 
the Copper river country. He’s been lying sick with 
typhoid fever for about a week, and though he 
hopes soon to be well, ’pears to me he’s failing 
rapidly.” 

James’ heart went out tO' any person who was in 
misfortune, especially in such a district as Alaska, 
and he naturally went to where the sick man was, to 
see if he could offer help, or at least consolation. As 
James entered, he immediately took the sick man’s 
hand. The invalid smiled gratefully, and James 
asked : 

“My friend, can I do anything for your comfort?” 

“Thank you for the offer, but so far I have suf- 
fered for nothing. I have been expecting to go for- 
ward again every day, but I’m afraid that I am fail- 
ing instead of getting better.” 

“If you will permit me I will have my sister come 


104 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


over and prepare your meals. She would be glad 
to do this to one in distress.” 

James returned to his own tent and informed 
Helen of the sick man’s needs, and she hastily ac- 
companied her brother to the invalid. 

The poor fellow gave his name as Albert Nugent, 
and said that he was nearly forty years old. He 
watched Helen as she made the tent more orderly 
and proceeded tO' prepare a wann meal for him. It 
reminded him of home, when his own sister, a young 
lady like Helen, had once waited on him when he 
was down with a fever. James chatted cheerfully 
with the sick man, and his spirits rose wonderfully, 
but he continued weak. 

At noon Helen brought him over a dish of hot 
soup, and he ate quite heartily. 

Under the influence of the warmth of the tent 
and the appetizing spread, he became communica- 
tive, and confidentially related to James his previous 
work and future plans in Alaska. 

'T want to talk to you, because I fear that I am 
not very long for this world,” remarked the sufferer. 

“Nonsense, my friend,” returned James. “We’ll 


IN ALASKA. 


105 


have you up and well and on your way within a 
week.” 

“You are mistaken, Mr. Griffin,” he answered. 
“I thank you for your kinds words and attention, 
but I have overworked myself, and this, together 
with the hardships I have undergone, has broken 
me down. I feel that I shall not be able to return 
to my partner, who will be waiting for me and for 
the supplies I have here. He’s hard at work, and I 
do not know what will become of him if I do not 
get back soon. You see, we made a pretty rich find, 
when our provisions began to run low, and I took 
what nuggets we had picked up out of the dirt, and 
went to Dyea for more supplies. I felt myself run- 
ning down in health all the time, and here I am, 
failing rapidly. Many times I was compelled to 
drink water that was unfit to use unless boiled. I 
have great confidence in you, Mr. Griffin, and I wish 
to entrust tO' your care what provisions I have here 
and all my maps and directions, and I wish you 
could in some way send them to my partner, Wil- 
liam Barry.” 

“William Barry!” exclaimed James. “One of our 


106 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


party is Edward Barry, and he is looking for his 
father. I wonder if they are the same?’’ 

“My friend Barry has a son named Edward, who 
lives in Seattle, and when I was in Dyea I mailed a 
letter to him, in care of his uncle.” 

“It is surely Edward’s father,” said James. “He 
is now at Dyea, and I expect him back here by to- 
night. He will be delighted to hear of his father, 
as will also Joe Farrell, who was a former partner of 
Mr. Barry’s.” 

“I’ve heard Mr. Barry speak of Joe Farrell many 
times, and he must be a fine fellow. I am glad that 
I fell in with you people, for now I am sure you will 
go to his relief, for I cannot do- so.” And here the 
sufferer experienced a spell of weakness which 
James for a while thought would terminate fatally. 
But he rallied again, and was soon able to speak. “I 
struck up a partnership with Barry shortly after he 
and Joe Farrell parted company, and we went up 
Forty-mile creek, and not finding pay dirt, contin- 
ued across the mountains to Tanana river, expecting 
that if we did not strike anything, to build a boat 
and go down to the Yukon again. But when we 
got there we heard that there was gold in the Cop- 


IN ALASKA. 


107 


per river country, and we kept on south, over the 
Razor Back divide, until we found a place where 
there was pay dirt, and plenty of water. Our pro- 
visions running out, we figured that the best route 
for me was to cut right across the country east until 
I struck one of the trails between Dyea and Daw- 
son City. I encountered almost incredible hard- 
ships, and struck this trail just as my provisions 
were gone. I got to Dyea all right, and purchased 
everything I needed, but for a week I have been 
growing worse every day. I still had hopes until 
this morning, when I suddenly realized in what a 
weakened condition I was. Let me take your hand, 
Mr. Griffin. I feel that I cannot last much longer, 
and since I met you I am perfectly resigned. I have 
neither kith nor kin to worry over me.” 

James and Helen and several others did all in 
their power to console the dying man, for now they 
realized that the poor faithful fellow was really 
fatally ill. James remained with him all afternoon, 
but much of the time he was unconscious. In his 
lucid moments he lay looking at a certain passage in 
the Bible, and murmuring a well-known prayer, 
expired. 


108 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


When the news spread about the camps that 
Death had claimed a victim^ several men prepared a 
grave on the side of a gentle slope, and after the 
interment James erected a cross over the mound to 
mark the last resting place of Albert Nugent, who 
had gone like hundreds of others in search of gold 
in Alaska. 

James looked anxiously for the appearance of the 
professor, Francis, Joe and Edward. 

The Indian packers had been hard at work during 
the day, and nearly all of the provisions were over 
the Pass, and while they went to rest James told 
Helen that he would go a mile or so down the trail 
to meet his friends, whom he felt sure must now be 
quite near. 

He had not gone far befo>re he saw a man coming 
along at a rapid pace, and as he came nearer he 
recognized the familiar figure of his old friend, Joe 
Farrell. 

'‘What is the matter, Joe? Where are the 
others?” asked James, with some misgivings, as he 
saw the serious look on Joe’s face. 

“Francis is very sick!” said Joe, as a beginning 
in the story of their misfortunes, and which he 


IN ALASKA. 


109 


rightly thought would make the loss of the pro- 
visions of less account. “And what do you think, 
James! Captain Hardy has, got away with nearly all 
our provisions!” 

“Good heavens, Joe, has Captain Hardy injured 
Francis? Quick, tell me!” 

“Captain Hardy and his partner surprised Francis 
at night, tied and gagged him, and carried him off 
in the mountains tO' die, and then had our goods 
taken away! But Francis finally succeeded in get- 
ting within our sight, bound as he was, and nearly 
dead, and we took him to Dyea. As soon as he was 
resting easily I hurried to you! We think Captain 
Hardy has cut across the country to the Skaguay 
trail.” 

“We must first get Francis on his feet, and then 
secure more provisions and hurry forward. To-day, 
I heard of Edward’s father, and we must go to his 
relief.” 

It was now Joe’s turn to be surprised. 

“From William Barry!” he exclaimed, “why, I 
feared that he had died long ago.” 

James related the events of the day, and Joe was 


110 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


also anxious to push on to the relief of his old 
partner. 

“Let Captain Hardy go for the present,” said 
James. “While he should be punished for his 
crimes, we must think of the living first. I hope he 
will keep out of our way.” 

James and Joe returned to camp and informed 
Helen of this new misfortune, but she was only 
worried over Francis, whose many fine qualities she 
greatly admired. It was decided that they should 
remain until morning, pay off the Indians, cache 
their provisions, and quickly return tO' Dyea to look 
after Francis and purchase what supplies they would 
need, in addition to those Albert Nugent had left 
them. 


IN ALASKA. 


Ill 


CHAPTER XIII. 

CURIOUS INCIDENTS ON THE TRAIL. 

Early next morning James, Joe and Helen started 
on their return trip to Dyea, and arrived there with- 
out trouble in the afternoon. It was a happy 
reunion. 

They found Francis sitting up and feeling quite 
well, but he was badly bruised and sore all over his 
body and limbs. 

“I am thankful, James, that it was not you,” said 
Francis, “for had it been. Captain Hardy would 
have tied a rock to your body and cast you into the 
water, and death would have been certain. I shall 
be able to be about in a day or two, and the loss of 
our provisions is not so serious as it might be. If 
we are forever rid of those base men we should be 
thankful. , They must come to a bad end soon.” 

James informed Edward of the news of his father, 
and the young man was much affected. He called 


112 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


at the postoffice tO' see if the letter addressed tO' him 
at Seattle was still there, but it had gone. Edward 
then wrote to his uncle the news of his father, and 
their intention to gO' tO' his relief. James also wrote 
a long letter tO' his father in Paris, giving him a mi- 
nute description of where they were going to the 
relief of William Barry. 

Edward was now anxious to immediately push 
ahead, and if he had not been repeatedly warned by 
James and the others, he would soon have worked 
himself to death. 

Additional supplies were purchased and two 
Indian packers secured, and next morning all of 
our friends, except Francis, were again on their way 
north. 

Francis was told to remain until the next trip, by 
which time he would be able to accompany them. 

They had hardly reached Finnigan’s point when 
it began to snow heavily. The wind also blew ter- 
rifically, and James gave the order to pitch their 
tents and get themselves comfortably housed until 
the blizzard should pass over. 

'‘What’s the matter, Professor?” asked Joe, as he 



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IN ALASKA. 


113 


saw his friend looking at the ground with a puzzled 
expression on his face. 

^‘Well, I was just wondering how I was tO' drive 
stakes into the frozen ground, so as to hold up the 
tent.” 

“Wedl have tO' get a couple of logs alongside and 
drive nails into them tO' fasten our ropes on,” an- 
swered Joe. “Come along with an axe and your 
blood will soon be on a jump through your body.” 

They went up the side of a hill and soon cut down 
several trees, and let them roll to the place selected 
for a camp. The tents were soon up, the ground 
cleared of snow and a fire built in their sheet iron 
stove. With the howling wind outside and the red- 
hot stove within, it seemed to everyone that there 
was not a more cheerful place on earth than where 
they were. 

When an Alaskan blizzard sets in there is nothing 
to do but to wait until it is over. It is impossible to 
travel with safety, and besides, it is disagreeable, and 
so little progress is made that one might just as well 
take a rest. The day was passed in telling stories, 
discussing the prospects of their trip, and examining 
the maps left to James by Albert Nugent. James 


114 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


was determined to push right on to where Edward’s 
father w^as supposed to be. 

In the morning, as our friends crawled out of 
their sleeping bags, they found the snow piled up all 
around their tents, and the air was biting and frosty. 
The water, which had been hauled up from the river 
the night before, was now almost solid ice, and the 
morning toilet could not be made until a hot fire 
was built and water secured. Helen finally prepared 
breakfast, which all thought was a feast fit for a 
king. 

The blizzard was still raging and the wind 
pounded on their tents as though a hundred men 
were outside with clubs, endeavoring to break the 
canvas. But there was a grandeur and picturesque- 
ness about it that fully compensated the lover of 
nature for all the physical discomlorts that he had 
to endure. Toward noon the storm blew over and 
the sky was again free of clouds. 

The tents were taken down, and James gave the 
order “Forward!” the professor shouted “En 
avant!” and the goat team, the unicycle and the 
Indians began to move. The progress now was 
much slower on account of the snow, and it was 


IN ALASKA. 


115 


evening when Sheep Camp was reached. Here 
tents were again pitched for the night. 

While sitting in their tent after supper, Edward 
remarked that it would be a treat if they could have 
a recent newspaper. During the months that he 
had sold newspapers in Seattle he had become a reg- 
ular reader, and really missed the news of the day. 

'‘To me,’’ said the professor, “it is a relief to be 
rid of them. I am thankful that I can for a time go 
my undisturbed way without reading the daily babel 
of the newspapers. I sincerely sympathize with the 
man who is compelled to take in the diurnal pabu- 
lum of the world’s news. A large percentage is 
lies, and they are dished up to us in a black and 
nauseating dose. Is it of any benefit to the brain, 
and does it add to our intelligence to daily read of 
murders, divorces, robberies, prize fights, politics 
and domestic sensations? One thing is asserted to- 
day, another to-morrow; guesses and hypotheses, 
and downright fabrications often appear instead of 
the facts. Every man who thinks he must be 
abreast of the current events is forced tO' wade 
through all that stuff, and it is worth going to 
Alaska to escape it. A monthly, or at most a 


116 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


weekly, review of the important events of the world, 
is well worth reading, and I would like tO' see some 
philanthropist establish a small newspaper which 
would give us in a few pages, plain unvarnished 
facts, stating what is authentic and what is merely 
rumor.” 

They soon retired for the night and in the morn- 
ing the journey was continued. Travel was now 
quite difficult, owing to the snow, and all manner of 
poor animals suffered greatly with the big loads 
they were compelled to carry. One man was lead- 
ing a mule heavily laden, and occasionally the stub- 
born animal stood still. This caused the irate owner 
to whip the poor brute unmercifully. James saw 
this, and while not wishing to interfere, he deter- 
mined to give the man a lesson. As the fellow gave 
the mule another hard blow, the animal looked 
around at him, and everyone heard these words: ‘Tf 
you hit me again I’ll kick your head off!” The man 
dropped the strap that held the mule and he also 
let fall the whip, and with bulging eyes and pale 
face looked dumbfounded. The mule’s head again 
turned toward its master and right from the open 
lips came: “I mean just what I said! I’ll do the 


IN ALASKA. 


117 


best I can and that is all you should expect! If you 
treat me decently I’ll make nO' trouble!” 

The bystanders were greatly puzzled and James 
said: 

“That’s right, Mr. Mule, stand up for your rights. 
You are a faithful animal,” and then a cheer went 
up. 

“Look here, my friend,” said James, “that protest 
came from a greater power than that poor brute 
there, and you should take warning. You can see 
that if you are kind and reasonable he’ll do all he 
possibly can.” 

Cold as it was the man wiped the perspiration 
from his face and was glad to lead the beast away. 
He evidently thought it was some spirit that was 
talking. 

All those present were equally puzzled over the 
affair, but James did not stop to enlighten them. 
Helen informed the professor and Edward that it 
was nothing but the work of James, who was an 
expert ventriloquist. Joe knew at once the cause, 
as he was aware of how James had frightened the 
savages on an island six years before by his wonder- 
ful power in throwing his voice wherever he desired. 


118 JAMES GRlFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


Our friends all had a hearty laugh' over the affair, 
and the professor told James he ought to make more 
use of his gift in correcting brutality wherever it was 
met. 

In a short time the Scales were reached, and the 
provisions were placed with the previous load. 
James, Helen and the Indians remained, while the 
others again hurried back for another load of goods. 


IN ALASKA. 


119 


CHAPTER XIV. 

RESCUING A GOLDSEEKER. 

They found Francis up and about, and next 
morning he accompanied the professor, Joe and Ed- 
ward with the last of their goods. Francis was so 
elated at the happy termination of his adventure 
that he was the liveliest one in the party, and there 
was a constant flow of wit and humor from his lips. 

As they stopped for lunch, Francis began a run- 
ning fire of jokes, some of which were directed at 
Joe, who had prepared the meal, and served, among 
other things, hash balls. The professor entered 
heartily into the fun. 

‘‘Well, gentlemen,” finally said Joe, “just bear a 
hand here now, and exercise your muscles a bit and 
give your tongues a needed rest.” 

The party was soon again on the way, and by 
evening had joined James and Helen. They were 
both glad to see Francis in such excellent spirits. 


120 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


Tents were once more pitched, and the night was 
spent at the foot of Chilkoot Pass. 

The next morning the supplies were hurried over 
the great icy mountains. The pass is over 3,500 
feet high, and near the summit is an incline of forty- 
five degrees — a sheer ascent of i ,000 feet, where to 
lose one’s foothold would be fatal. 

Then came the tedious journey to Take Tinder- 
man. 

Fatal accidents were of frequent occurrence, and 
deaths also resulted from exposure and disease, not 
to mention many cases of suicide. 

While our party was making its way across the 
mountains one day, where the snow was all the way 
from one to fifty feet deep, although there was little 
snow in the valleys^ they were a short distance be- 
hind a party of about a dozen men. These men 
were strung alone in single file, some leading dog 
teams with quite heavy loads, and others ‘'packing’' 
their own goods. 

Suddenly there was a great commotion among 
these men, and as James and his friends came up 
the trail, he learned that the leader of the party had 
disappeared beneath the snow, with sled, dogs and 


IN ALASKA. 


121 


goods. The weather had been warm since the bliz- 
zard, and the water from a creek had washed away 
a great deal of the snow, leaving but a thin crust 
and making it insecure to pass over. 

James was the first to propose a method of res- 
cue, and his quick orders soon gave everyone some- 
thing to do. He secured the coil of rope he had 
along, and quickly passing it around his body, in- 
structed the others tO' let him down the opening. 
A small tree was quickly felled, and placed with the 
branches toward the great hole in the snow, and the 
rope was slid down where twO' branches came to- 
gether in a V-shape, so that the rope would not cut 
through the snow at the opening. 

Helen implored James not to venture in so dan- 
gerous a position, saying that one of the friends of 
the lost man should rather make the attempted res- 
cue, but they were all so shocked, frightened and 
unnerved, that they could do nothing. Edward vol- 
unteered to go, but James quickly let himself down, 
saying that if anything was to be done, it must be 
done at once. 

A cord was also taken down so that James could 
signal to his friends. Francis took charge of the 


122 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


signaling string, and Joe, Edward and the profes- 
sor held the rope. 

Helen soon resigned herself to the situation, and 
stood by watching James getting ready to go down. 

'A think it is about fifty feet deep,” said James, 
as he began the descent, “and I can see nothing but 
water at the bottom.” 

Down, down James went, and every few seconds 
he gave a quick jerk on the line to show that all was 
well, and to keep on letting out rope. 

Finally James came near the bottom, which was 
open water, and he feared that it must be all over 
with the poor fellow. There were places on the side 
where James could get a foothold, so he signaled 
to hold the rope and began to swing himself, and 
he finally touched ice on one side. James saw that 
there was a great tunnel in the snow along the 
course of the creek, and the crust above was quite 
thin, and, as it proved, not strong enough to bear 
the weight of a man and sleigh load of provisions. 
The driver and the outfit had dropped into the swift 
current, and everything was undoubtedly carried 
downstream. 

James shouted up to his friends that he was going 


IN ALASKA. 


123 


to untie the rope and go in search of the missing 
man, and he accordingly started off on his perilous 
trip. At any moment the whole roof of snow might 
fall and bury him alive, but he continued on, some- 
times barely finding room on the side of the water 
to get by. After passing one of the bends of the 
stream, he saw a dark object in the uncertain light, 
and pushing forward, soon discovered that it was 
a man lying on the edge of the ice. He was uncon- 
scious, but alive. James picked him up in his strong 
arms, and began the return journey. He was none 
too soon, for where he had just been standing tons 
of snow fell, and is was some time before the 
water carried it away. In some places James was 
compelled to pull the man along in the water, so 
narrow was the space between the wall of snow and 
the stream. Finally James reached the spot where 
the rope was hanging, and fastening it around the 
body and under the arms of the unconscious gold- 
seeker, he signaled to haul up. He also shouted 
up the result of his trip, and told his friends to look 
out for the man when he should come to the 
surface. 

There was a strong pull from above and the half 


124 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


dead fellow was soon in the arms of his friends. 
James was then hoisted, and received the warm 
thanks of all the men. 

A tent was quickly pitched and a hot fire made, 
and all hands helped in the work of resuscitation. 
The professor felt of the man’s pulse and found it 
very low. 

“I’m afraid it’s all over with him,” said Francis, 
shaking his head. 

“ ‘C’en est fait de lui,’ as the French say,” re- 
marked the professor, repeating Francis’ words. 
“This comes of the accursed thirst for gold, (‘Auri 
sacra fames’),” and the professor went out of the 
tent to give some of the others an opportunity to 
work the man’s blood into circulation. 

After half an hour there were signs of improve- 
ment in the man’s condition, and some time later 
he regained consciousness. 

At first he did not know what to make of his 
position, but after a little while he remembered his 
awful plunge through the snow and into the water 
below. 

When he learned of his rescue, he was full of grat- 
itude to James, and promised to repay the debt if 


IN ALASKA. 


125 


it should ever lie in his power to do so. His name 
was Charles Campbell, and his home was in Wis- 
consin. 

He said that when the snow gave way he fell 
lightly enough into the water, with snow all about 
him. In a few moments the whole mass began to 
move downstream, and also to sink and melt. The 
sled and provisions sank and the dogs were dragged 
under and drowned. He was carried along, all wet 
and chilled, and after a desperate struggle through 
the slush, reached the icy side of the stream. He 
crawled out on the ice and in a few moments became 
unconscious. 

‘T owe my life to your courage and coolness, Mr. 
Griffin,” he said, “and, believe me, I shall never for- 
get it.” 

The next thing was to put up a sign warning 
others, and giving instructions how to avoid cross- 
ing the dangerous place. After doing this, our 
friends hurriedly pushed on, anxious to reach their 
objective point near the headwaters of the White 
river, where Edward’s father was supposed to be, 
waiting for supplies. 


126 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XV. 

REACH LAKE LINDERMAN AND BUILD A BOAT. 

James and his companions pushed on with all 
possible speed, but not at the expense of all their 
comforts. Helen stood the hardships wonderfully 
well, and, true tO' her prediction, she was one of the 
gayest in the party. She and Francis were almost 
continuously together, and spent the time in dis- 
cussing literature, music, art, and telling funny sto- 
ries, and the hearty laughs of Helen made all the 
men smile, and feel that, although they were in 
Alaska, they were not wholly out of civilization. 

Professor Caldwell was ever ready with advice, 
and quoted from nearly all the modern languages, 
and several dead ones. 

James Griffin and Joe Farrell, during the greater 
portion of the time, were quiet and determined. On 
them rested the responsibilities of the journey, and 


IN ALASKA. 


127 


something arose every day that caused them great 
worry. 

Edward Barry w^as watchful and willing to lend 
a helping hand whenever possible. He never 
shirked a chore, and the professor often told him to 
stop work and take a rest. At night he would study 
over the papers left by Albert Nugent. One even- 
ing as the professor was about to retire, he gave 
the following parting advice; 

“Look out, Edward, for nervous prostration, lo- 
comotor ataxia, insomnia, jim-jams, corns, bunions, 
ingrowing toe-nails, and all other consequences of 
excessive mental strain. What’s the use in learn- 
ing all that by rote, if, in doing so, you undermine 
your health and land in a sanitarium? Not all the 
wealth that we are going to carry out of Alaska will 
compensate for a broken-down constitution and 
shattered by-laws.” 

Edward smiled and retired after such outbursts 
of the professor. 

There were many men on the trail who were 
groaning and cursing under great loads far too 
heavy for their strength. They whipped the poor 
dogs, which were alsO' overloaded. “They all seem 


128 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


afflicted with locomotor hysteria, a new disease 
that has come to many Americans,” said the profes- 
sor, as he viewed the men hurrying on. ‘‘It mani- 
fests itself in an insane hurry tO' get over the ground. 
Those afflicted cannot stand anything slow. If they 
are traveling with a horse, instead of enjoying the 
scenery, they beat their animals into a continual 
gallop, and when the beast drops exhausted like the 
hero of the ballad, ‘he gets another mile out by 
twisting of its tail.’ But of course they’re at their 
worst when they mount their bicycles and become 
that modern terror, the scorcher, and proceed to 
slay pedestrians.” 

These gold-seekers all seemed in a desperate haste 
to reach Dawson City. Did they but know what 
disappointments were in store for them, they would 
have been in less of a hurry — in fact, the majority 
would have turned around and gone home. Half 
of the hardships that these rushers endured were 
self-imposed. 

Suddenly a coarse, loud, woman’s voice was 
heard, berating someone on the trail. 

“Och, see the lazy fellows, and not wan of thim 



JAMES QUICKEY EET HIMSELF DOWN, SAYING THAT IF ANYTHING WAS TO BE DONE IT MUST BE DONE AT ONCE. 

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IN ALASKA. 


129 


will give a poor woman a lift. If Oi wus a man Oi’d 
show thim what it is to be a rale gintlemanl” 

As our friends came up, they saw a woman sitting 
on a pile of provisions. She gave them a savage 
look, and again began: 

“Who’d a thought that a poor woman on her 
way to Dawson City would be treated so by those 
who call thimselves gintlemen? Oi don’t belave 
there’s a rale Oirishman on th’ trail. If I’d a’ 
thought that. I’d sthayed in Shan Franchisco.” 
And then she began to abuse everybody and every- 
thing. 

“Come, let us hurry on,” remarked James, as he 
heard her words. “While I wouldn’t pass anyone in 
distress, much less a woman^ it would, I am sure, be 
worse than a thankless task if we should convey all 
her goods to Dawson City.” 

“Look at ’em go snakin’ along,” she said, as 
James and the others passed her. 

Just then the professor and Joe came up, and she 
began to abuse them unmercifully. 

The professor stood still and listened, for he 
thought he recognized the voice of a noted charac- 
ter in San Francisco, a woman who was credited 


30 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


with being able to out-talk anyone in the city. He 
had heard her once on Telegraph Hill, and mar- 
veled at her doubtful accomplishment. Not the 
slightest show of anger or emotion was visible on 
the professor’s face, as he listened to her cutting 
words. On the contrary, as the woman continued, 
he even smiled. When she had finished, he re- 
marked : 

“Madam, it grieves me greatly to see anyone of 
my own nationality give vent to such a torrent of 
abuse, unjustified as it is. You accuse us before you 
know who we are.” 

“Och, hear the murtherin’ villain talk! You’ve got 
blarney enough, but yez no more Oirish than Im- 
peror-r-r William, you low-browed, pigeon-toed, 
heartless old hypocritical miser. If me ould man, 
who’s dead, ware here, he’d wring your dirty neck 
in two minutes!” 

The professor had often thought that he would 
like to give this woman some of her own medicine, 
and he decided to do so now. He would let her 
talk until she exhausted her vocabulary, and then he 
would crush her with his own volubility. From her 


IN ALASKA. 


131 


language he knew that she was an ignorant scold, 
and so he began as follows: 

“You say that Fm not Irish? Why, my father 
was born in Dublin, and he came of the best Irish 
stock. He was a gentleman, and so am 1. But you, 
yourself, are no more Irish than the blackest negro 
in Africa. I hardly know whether to call you an 
appoggiatura or an acciaccatura.” 

“Och, hear the villain abuse me. And such dirty 
names he calls me, too. Go wash out yer mouth. 
It ought to be filthy from the bad words you’ve 
said.” 

“Don’t get excited,” returned the professor, smil- 
ing. “You’ll only get your jaws more sidewise 
than they are at present. Look at her, Joe; see the 
semi-breve and crochet in her eyes, and the leger 
lines on her nose. Did you hear her crescendo 
voice? But with her it is 'Jus et norma loquendi.' 
You are full of hyposulphate, you old cataclysm.” 
And then the professor stopped, to give her a 
chance to use herself up. 

“Just hear him talk! He sez he comes of good 
Oirish stock and he spakes to a lady loike that! If 
there was a dhrop of Oirish blood in your veins 


132 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


you’d niver be sthanding there abusin’ a poor lone 
woman who is tryin’ to make a dacent an’ honest 
livin’! If Oi had yez in the sthates I’d hev yez 
arristed for slander! Hiven preserve us! To think 
that a man who wants to be a gintleman should be 
sthanding there callin’ a poor woman all the filthy 
names that no one iver heard of before.” And then 
followed a string of billingsgate that would have 
taken first prize anywhere in a contest in that line. 

“If you were in San Francisco,” continued the 
professor, when she was through, “and got into 
court, any judge would give you fifteen years for 
your crimes. I see the blood of the cimex lectula- 
rius on your hands now! See how she trembles! 
Oh, you’re found out at last! You ought to be 
ashamed of yourself, you sexagesimo, you equian- 
gular triangle, you superposition, you plus minus, 
voluminous old rixatrix! Joe, I don’t believe she 
has provisions in those bags at all. They’re full of 
exosmosis!” 

“Och, what a lie! Is there no man here to defend 
a poor woman against all his abuse? Move on, you 
whiskey-drinkin’, dirty old baboon — you dried-up 
chimpanzee — you — you — ’ ’ 


IN ALASKA. 


133 


Her breath came short, and she could not speak, 
so the professor continued: 

“I’m going to stand here and abuse you until you 
keep still, you tenaille, you redoubt, you ravelin, you 
glacis, you girder, you cavetto, you astragal, you 
surbase old corona. Any jury would convict you of 
being a cmstacean, scarping old viaduct — a macro- 
pod, and even a cyclops. You carry a hymenopter 
in your pocket all the time and I’ve heard from 
your neighbors in San Francisco that you are a pre- 
determined octopus. And you can’t deny it, you 
old acanthopterygian, ocellated blenny! Now, what 
have you to say?” 

By this time a large crowd had collected, and the 
woman looked daggers at them all, but said noth- 
ing. She was vanquished ! That inexhaustible flow 
of sounds that the professor thundered at her, noth- 
ing of which she understood, fairly stunned her. 
She had used up all her coarse words and she real- 
ized that her antagonist was too much for her. 

When the professor saw that she was quiet, he 
said: 

“Now, madam, we are not as bad as you suppose, 


134 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and if you will allow us, we shall be delighted to help 
you along.” 

But she refused the joffer. It proved a valuable 
lesson to her, and the professor learned later that 
she became quite a different woman. It was the 
first time in her life/ that she had been downed in a 
talking contest. And she thought the professor a 
remarkable man. 

She finally reached Dawson City and opened a 
boarding house, and prospered wonderfully. 

This contest raised the professor a great deal in 
the estimation of Joe, who never before fully appre- 
ciated the advantages of an education. 

In due time Lake Linderman was reached, and 
here the goat team was easily disposed of. With the 
exception of a few stormy days, very nice weather 
had prevailed, and the lakes were still open. 

There were about five hundred tents, and over a 
thousand people at the camp at Lake Linderman 
when our party arrived, and here it was necessary to 
stay for a week at least, to build a boat. This they 
found one of the hardest jobs they had yet encount- 
ered. Joe was a boatbuilder by trade, and James, 
when a boy, had helped his old friend in his work- 


IN ALASKA. 


135 


shop in San Francisco. So they went at it in a 
practical manner. 

O'f course, it took a great deal of time to find suit- 
able timber from which to saw out the necessary 
boards. Lumber could be bought at the wheezy 
saw mill for about $300 a thousand feet, but as that 
was considered rather dear, James and Joe deter- 
mined to whip-saw their own material. To build a 
boat of the size needed, required about 400 feet of 
lumber, and after* the logs were cut and peeled and 
placed on a high scaffolding, it took about three 
days to saw them up. If anyone imagines that the 
sawing out of boards is a sinecure, about ten min- 
utes’ work would cause him to change his opinion. 
After the lumber, the ribs and braces were ready, 
the boat was put together, and calked with oakum 
and pitch. Oars were then made, and the boat, 
which was named the Helen, was ready for the pas- 
sengers and freight. 

The craft turned out by James and Joe was one of 
the very best ever constructed at that place, and was 
easily worth $500. 

From here the mouth of White river would be 
reached in about two weeks, and up this river their 


136 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


boat must be propelled as far as navigation per- 
mitted. 

One bright morning our party started across 
Lake Linderman for the north. A favorable breeze 
was blowing and the sail was hoisted, and the faces 
of all our friends were wreathed in smiles. 

''This is what I call comfort,” said James, as he 
watched the boat cut through the water. 

"Yes,” added the professor, "It is only the first 
step which is difficult. 'Ce n^est que le premier pas 
qui coute.’ It was well worth going through what 
we did to be able to enjoy life as we are now doing. 
I think I can stand several weeks of this kind of 
work. But we’ll probably have plenty of trouble 
yet.” 

"There you are. Professor, talking of hardships,” 
said Helen. "I think the whole trip was just de- 
lightful.” 

"Don’t be toO' merry. Miss Griffin,” answered the 
professor. "What we have encountered so far is 
child’s play to what we may expect before we reach 
the end of our journey. 'Graviora manent’ — Great- 
er difficulties await us, no doubt.” 

"Don’t borrow trouble. Professor,” remarked 


IN ALASKA. 


137 


Francis. ‘‘I never yet crossed a bridge until I got to 
it, and if it didn’t happen to be in good shape, why, 
then I looked about to see what could be done.” 

“Look out there, everybody!” shouted Joe, “the 
wind’s changing, and we must come about,” and as 
he turned the rudder the boom swung around sud- 
denly and knocked off the professor’s hat. 

“ ‘Ne fronti crede,’ ” said Helen, as she laughed 
mischievously. “ ‘Trust not to appearances,’ Pro- 
fessor. Those awful afflictions you spoke about 
seem to be coming,” and as the waves dashed upon 
the side of the boat, Helen suggested that they 
might all soon be thrown into the water. 

But a first-class sailor in the person of Joe was at 
the helm, and James also was an expert in handling 
almost any kind of craft, so Helen’s remarks were 
more in the nature of a joke than any real fear she 
entertained. 

Some of the other boats were not so fortunate, 
for as the wind came sweeping along the lake, from 
the north, a heavily loaded scow was filled with 
water and a cry for help went up. Half a dozen 
boats went to the rescue, our friends among the 
others. The passengers and most of the provisions 


138 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


were saved, and a large cat — ^probably the only one 
in Alaska — ^jumped into James’ boat. 

Just why anyone was taking a cat to Alaska was 
something past finding out, but the animal was 
there, and making every endeavor to keep her fur 
dry. 

The professor was no lover of cats, and thereby 
hangs a tale. The story was known to^ all of the 
party, except perhaps to Edward, and when the ani- 
mal came on board, and they saw the scowl on the 
professor’s face, there was a general laugh. 

It seems that while the professor was keeping 
bachelor quarters in San Francisco, he was bothered 
with a sly old cat that had neither home nor any 
visible means of support. 

The professor held that cats sucked the human 
breath, which is generally believed by old colored 
women, but put down as a simple superstition by 
physicians and scientists. However, the professor 
claimed he spoke from actual experience. He had 
told James once how this cat had entered his room 
at night through the open door. ''While in a deep 
sleep,” he said, "I suddenly dreamed that the air 
was being pumped out of the room, and when I 


IN ALASKA. 


139 


finally awoke I was so weak I could hardly move. 
In the dim light I saw the cat, with its mouth glued 
to my own, in a loathsome kiss. In my semi-con- 
sciousness I was almost indifferent to life, and I de- 
bated in my mind if it were really worth while to 
chase the feline away. I soon realized, however, 
that life was leaving me, and with a mighty effort I 
cried out, at which the cat vanished. When that 
squatting incubus was gone I soon regained my 
breath and strength, but had a scratch on one hand 
to verify my statement.” 

James had laughed the story away by saying: 

‘'Only a nightmare. Professor. You were think- 
ing too much of that cat, and it troubled your 
sleep.” 

“But the scratch?” asked the professor, incredu- 
lously. 

“Done by yourself in your agony,” answered 
James. 

The professor shook his head, and determined to 
get rid of that cat at all events. 

He had tried everything he could think of to dis- 
pose of the animal. He had given her poisoned 
meat a dozen times; he had filled her with buckshot, 


HO JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and supposed that she was as full of holes as a sieve; 
he had made her jump from the limb of a tree that 
was sixty feet high; but she was always on deck on 
schedule time to drink the milk left in the hall by 
the milkman. The professor paid fifty dollars for a 
bulldog that was warranted to kill any animal twice 
its size, but the cat killed it in ’steen seconds. Then 
he got desperate, and tried liquefied air. He saw the 
feline go flying over a two-story building, but the 
professor was nearly paralyzed the next morning to 
see her on the porch, looking longingly at the ca- 
nary. For a whole year he heard her every night, 
making a frightful noise in the neighborhood, and 
he determined to assassinate the beast if it was pos- 
sible to do so. He offered two prizes of $25 and 
$10 for her capture or death, and a bright boy in the 
neighborhood won the $25. He had her in a trap. 
Assuring himself that she was secure, the professor 
obtained a strong bag, placed in it several large 
stones, and the trap with the cat, then securely tied 
the top, and started for the bay, intending tO' go out 
in a boat and drop the whole outfit into fifty feet of 
water. On the way he met James, to whom he re- 
lated the whole matter. James thought that a cat 


IN ALASKA. 


141 


with so wonderful a record ought not to die so 
miserable a death, so he began planning for the ani- 
mal’s life. He invited the professor into a restau- 
rant for an ice-cream soda, and, seeing a friend, in- 
structed him to release the cat while he was enter- 
taining the professor. As soon as he was refreshed, 
the professor again triumphantly lifted the bag and 
started for the water, to dispose of the animal in 
the manner he had intended. 

The next morning James saw him moving his 
wagon load of furniture and asked him the cause of 
his change of location, especially now that the ob- 
noxious cat was effectually disposed of. 

“Effectually disposed of!” exclaimed the profes- 
sor, moodily. “What do you think, James? That 
cat’s come back, and I’m going to move into the 
next town! She’s in league with the devil^ sure!” 

“But you must remember. Professor, that a cat 
has nine lives.” 

“More than that, James. I’ll swear that I’ve killed 
her nineteen times, and I’m going to give up the 
job.” 

It was no wonder, then, that the professor had 
no love for cats, and as he gave a scrutinizing look 


142 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


at the one that had jumped on the boat he was 
seated in, he became pale, and turning to James, 
barely whispered: 

“James, that’s the same cat that I spent over a 
year in endeavoring tO' kill!” The animal seemed 
also to recognize the professor, for she assumed a 
defensive attitude, and kept an eye on her old 
enemy. The professor picked up an oar, seeing 
which the agile animal took to the water, and swam 
to the boat occupied by her owner, where willing 
hands hauled her on board. 

Seeing that the services of his boat were no 
longer needed, Joe again headed the craft toward 
the north, and sailed away. The professor’s curi- 
osity as to how his old enemy, the cat, happened to 
be on a trip to Alaska, was never satisfied. 


IN ALASKA. 


143 


CHAPTER XVL 

UP WILD RIVERS AND ACROSS THE LAKES. 

The six miles’ length of Lake Linderman was 
soon crossed, and then the goods were unloaded, 
and carried overland to Lake Bennett. Between 
the two lakes a swift stream, with many rapids, ex- 
tends a distance of nearly a mile, and here the boat 
had to be carefully floated through the rapids by 
means of ropes and poles. 

Our party was anxious to at least cross Lake 
Bennett before the final freeze-up came. This lake 
is twenty-five miles long, and it would be a big step 
forward if it could be crossed in a boat, as the over- 
land trip there would be very rough. 

It was a bad place for mosquitoes, and these little 
insects seemed to highly relish the flavor of the 
new arrivals. 

‘'The natives here,” said the professor, “have an 
idea that the mosquito was once a huge spider, 


144 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


which an evil spirit cast into a fire, where it shriveled 
to its present size, and then, escaping with a coal 
in its mouth, it now seeks revenge upon mankind. 
I have come tO' the conclusion that he is about as 
black as he has been painted. He is omnipresent 
here, and back in the woods where I was to-day, he 
is omnipotent. Neither heat nor cold has much 
effect upon him, and I wonder what he is here for,” 
and the professor looked around tO' see if there was 
anyone around who would say a good word for the 
pest. Evidently everyone agreed with him, for no 
one came to its defense. 

For the first twelve miles Lake Bennett is not 
more than half a mile wide, and for the remaining 
distance it is all the way from one to three miles 
wide. 

The passage was made without any great trouble, 
although it was nO' “picnic.” 

Then James pushed on toi Takish Lake, to Marsh 
Lake, and our party reached the head of Miles Can- 
yon several days after leaving Lake Bennett. The 
weather was yet good for water navigation, and 
James was making fine progress. Now came three 
miles of the most dangerous part of the water trip. 



THEY HOISTED THEIR SAID AND ENJOYED THE DEEIGHTFUE SENSATION OF SAIEING OVER THE 

FROZEN SURFACE.— 5<?<7 page 147. 



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IN ALASKA. 


145 


The general width of the canyon is about 200 yards, 
but for a distance of three-quarters of a mile it nar- 
rows to fifty feet across, with perpendicular walls 
of red volcanic rock. At one point there is a whirl- 
pool of wonderful suction at each side of the river. 
It is needless to say that great care and the exercise 
of considerable skill is required to take a craft 
through these rapids. 

All along the route James had been told to look 
out for White Horse Rapids, and when he got there 
he saw signs in all directions warning the traveler 
to “keep a good lookout.” There was no better evi- 
dence needed that the place was dangerous than the 
numerous wooden crosses that marked the last rest- 
ing place of many a victim who had been lost in the 
turbulent waters. The locality came to be known 
as the “Miners’ Grave,” and the new name was quite 
appropriate. 

James was very careful, and decided tO' portage 
the boat over the worst part. On the west side of 
the rapids the miners had made a wide roadway of 
logs, and most of the men were rolling their boats 
over the ground on a sort of car. 

Our party had an opportunity to see the skill with 


146 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


which the' Indians handled their boats. The canoe 
to the Indian is like the broncho to the cowboy. The 
Indian manipulates the canoe with extraordinary 
skill, and no waters, even as wild as they are in 
Alaska, daunt them. They skim along in their 
canoes like a bird, and hunt, fish, trade, and visit 
with them. 

James found that the White Horse Rapids were 
fully as bad as they had been pictured to him, and 
there were many legends as tO' how they had 
received their name. 

The professor related a number of stories he had 
heard, and one of the legends was that a white man 
once came to the tribe and wanted to marry the 
chief’s daughter. The brothers of the girl said they 
would consent if he would agree to always live with 
them. This he refused to do, and one night he car- 
ried her away up the river while she was asleep. 
The brothers started in pursuit, and the white man 
and his willing captive, endeavored to escape in the 
White Horse Rapids. They were overtaken, but 
fought so furiously in the foamy waters that both 
were drowned. Now the Indians say that they can 


IN ALASKA, 


147 


see the paleface appear and beckon a victim to 
death every time a man is drowned in the rapids. 

The weather now began tO' grow cold, and every- 
thing took on a dull aspect. The transformation 
from fall to- winter was rapid and complete. The 
leaves quickly fell from the trees, the denizens 
of the forest beat a hasty retreat, and the whole 
landscape seemed to be sullenly brooding over the 
prospect of the mantle of snow that it was so soon 
tO' wear. The icy blasts from the north enveloped 
the camp of our party, and when they reached Take 
Le Barge, after passing easily the twenty-four miles 
from White Horse Rapids, where the river was 
smooth and deep, they found it covered with a coat- 
ing of ice. It was too strong to break through and 
too weak to sustain the weight of their boat and 
about six tons of provisions. Lake Le Barge is a 
beautiful sheet of water thirty-five miles long, and 
here James and the others were compelled to pitch 
their tents until the ice on the lake was thick enough 
for passage. It two days the ice was a foot thick, 
and during that time sleighs had been made on 
which to place the boat, and as soon as there was a 
favorable wind, they hoisted their sails and enjoyed 


148 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


the delightful sensation of sailing over the frozen 
surface. At the same time they were again hasten- 
ing on their northward journey. 

There were about twenty other boats also sailing, 
and being pulled across the lake, and it was a pretty 
sight. 

All the boats kept near the shore, and finally they 
came to where a river flowed into the lake, and 
caused a large area of open water. The parties all 
stopped here tO' discuss the best means of getting 
over, and while they were all standing about and 
talking, the ice began to ‘‘give” considerably, which 
circumstance caused a desperate endeavor on the 
part of many boat-owners to get back to a safer 
place. 

To make a detour might prove more dangerous 
than to cross the open water, so James and Joe 
decided to attempt a crossing. With ropes they fas- 
tened the sleighs, so that they could be hauled on 
board when the craft should leave the ice, and then 
with Joe and Francis on one side of the boat, and 
James and the professor on the other, they made a 
rapid start for the open water. As soon as they felt 
the ice giving way they jumped into their boat, and 


IN ALASKA. 


149 


then, with pike poles, cleared a passage. Seeing 
the success of their venture, several followed. Many 
succeeded, while some experienced a disastrous 
failure. Others, fearing to run so great a risk, de- 
cided to camp until ice formed sufficiently strong to 
insure a safe passage. 

It was at such places as this that many quarrels 
arose between partners. Some would want to go 
on, while their companions refused to move. In 
one case a fight ensued, and after the combatants 
had pommeled each other unmercifully, a crowd 
collected and a jury was chosen to make a division 
of the goods. Many of these partnerships had been 
formed on the spur of the moment, and where two 
stubborn fellows traveled together and failed to 
agree on any subject, there was sure to be trouble. 
Fights and dissolutions occurred on nO' more serious 
matter than one accusing the other of eating too 
much — or eating more than the other. 

James had been called upon several times to act 
in the capacity of arbitrator, and he always urged 
a separation where hot words had once passed 
between partners. 

As the boat entered the water, Helen began pre- 


150 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


paring dinner in the bow, and as the smell of the 
savory and succulent edibles was wafted to the 
others, it gave them a craving to eat that can never 
be enjoyed by the millionaire in his palatial home, 
which led the professor to remark: 

“Work, if only it is in moderation, is in itself a 
rich source of happiness. We all know how quickly 
time passes when we are well employed. Occupa- 
tion drives away the small troubles of life, and he 
who works as we have been working will never sit 
down to a dinner and plead lack of appetite. Miss 
Griffin, we are ready for those beans, that bacon and 
the corn bread.’^ 

Our friends were the first in the long line of boats. 
The Klondykers had all recognized that James and 
Joe were good people to keep in touch with, as they 
had made the best time of any similarly equipped 
party on the trail. 

At night they camped on the shore of Lake Le 
Barge. There they had an experience that threw 
them into the wildest state of excitement and came 
near making it impossible to think of going to the 
relief of Edward’s father. 


JN ALASKA. 


151 


CHAPTER XVIL 

Edward’s remarkable work. 

When Captain Hardy and his partner took pos- 
session of the goods of our friends, after disposing 
of Francis, they crossed over to the Skaguay trail, 
going along the Porcupine river to the Skaguay 
river. As they feared pursuit, they made all possi- 
ble haste forward, and as they were not as heavily 
loaded with supplies as the average goldseeker, and 
had the help of the Indians, they expected to get 
ahead of James and his friends on their way to the 
Klondyke. 

Between the two trails, there is very little to 
choose, except that the Dyea trail is the shorter. 
While the Dyea trail has its Chilkoot Pass, those 
going by way of the Skaguay trail must climb up 
and cross the White Pass. 

From Porcupine Hill_, there is a descent of 500 
feet in about a mile. Then begins an ascent. Pass- 


152 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


ing* over the Skaguay river the traveler ascends 
about 300 feet in a little over two miles, and cross- 
ing the creek, he starts on an ascent of about 1,000 
feet in a little over a mile. Then for a mile he must 
gO' winding along a high level, then down about 100 
feet, and then up again 900 feet to the summit of 
White Pass. On each side the pass is encompassed 
by high glacial mountains, up which no one would 
ever care to climb. 

From here a beautiful view of the surrounding 
country can be had. The scene in all its grandeur 
surrounds one on every side, and the river, like a 
streak of the brightest silver, winds its serpentine 
way through gulch and valley, over rocky bed and 
sandy bottom, at one place calmly and grandly, at 
another angrily and with a roar, ever onward toward 
the ocean, where its crystal waters finally lose their 
identity. 

But all these beauties were lost to Captain Hardy. 
He had nO' eye for the grandeur of nature. To get 
a fortune was his only idea. He and his partner. 
Jack Williams, were making rapid progress — that 
is, from one to four miles an hour. They proceeded 
on to the foot of Lake Linderman, and then tO' Lake 


IN ALASKA. 


153 


Bennett, where they constructed a light and cheap 
boat, and were just putting on the finishing touches 
when James’ party passed through. They observed 
James, but were careful to remain unseen them^ 
selves, and when they cast a glance on Francis, alive 
and well, they were dumbfounded. How had he 
escaped? One night Captain Hardy disguised him^- 
self as much as possible, and spied about James’ 
tent. He watched Edward poring over maps and 
some papers, and he at once jumped to the conclu- 
sion that they contained full directions as to how to 
reach some rich claim, probably the one owned by 
Joe Farrell. To' get this map was now the great 
desire of Captain Hardy, but he did not appear to 
be ready yet to make the attempt. He observed, 
however, that the documents were placed in a small 
satchel, which doubtless contained many other val- 
uable articles, besides money. 

Captain Hardy returned to his companion in a 
jubilant frame of mind. 

‘‘We’re in luck. Jack,” he remarked, “all we must 
do now is to get hold of that grip, and I’m pretty 
sure that we’ll strike it rich. Besides, it may spoil 
all their plans, too. We must watch our opportun- 


154 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


ity, secure the papers, see if they are of any value, 
and if so, push rapidly ahead and take possession. 
We can travel much faster than they, as we have 
fewer supplies and a lighter boat.” 

“We must be careful, Captain, not to be caught 
in the work, or it will go hard with us. Those fel- 
lows seem to bear charmed lives. We thought we 
had finished the kid when we threw him overboard 
out in the ocean, and we were sure never to see. 
Francis LaBoule again, but both are alive, never- 
theless, and if they knew we were here they would 
unquestionably cause us serious trouble. I would 
not relish being tried for murder up here — it would 
not agree with my constitution and by-laws.” 

“No danger. Jack,” answered Hardy. “We’ll 
stay well behind and keep a sharp lookout. We’ll 
have to watch where they camp, and some night 
endeavor to secure the papers, and then push on all 
night to get far ahead.” 

So these twO' men followed James, who was all 
unconscious of their presence. 

One of the boats that crossed Lake Le Barge on 
the same day that James made the passage, was 
occupied by Captain Hardy and Jack Williams. 


IN ALASKA. 


155 


They remained a mile or more behind, but kept 
James’ party in view much of the time. That night 
when camps were pitched on the shore, Captain 
Hardy found out where James and his friends were 
located, and he instructed Jack Williams to proceed 
with their boat several miles farther down the lake, 
saying that he would come along and join him about 
midnight. 

There were a number of tents together, but the 
ones belonging to James were easily distinguished 
by their peculiar construction, and Captain Hardy 
cautiously approached the large one, occupied by 
James, Joe, the professor, Francis, and Edward. 
Through the open flap of the tent, he observed the 
much-desired satchel lying on some furs in one cor- 
ner of the enclosure, and there was Edward studying 
the map and reading a number of sheets of paper 
fastened at the top with a clasp. Finally they were 
again placed away and the grip put under some 
goods, and Edward extinguished the light and re- 
tired. 

Captain Hardy waited until all were asleep, and 
then crawled to the side of the tent where the 


156 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


satchel lay, raised the canvas, secured the valuable 
documents, and quietly departed. 

Next morning when our friends arose and pre- 
pared for the day’s journey, Janies made inquiry as 
to the whereabouts of the grip. No one knew what 
had become of it. Edward explained where he had 
put it, but it could not be found. An examination 
around the tent showed footprints in the snow. 

Edward became almost frantic when he realized 
that the directions to^ reach his father were gone. 
James and the others were stunned. How were 
they to go to the relief of William Barry without 
knowing just where he was located? Alaska is a 
big country, and it would be like finding the pro- 
verbial needle in a haystack to attempt to find him 
without the minute directions contained in the lost 
papers. 

Francis immediately went out and notified the 
argonauts of the robbery, but no one could offer any 
suggestion as to what to do. Robbery was some- 
thing unheard of, even among these rough men, and 
it created considerable indignation and alarm to 
learn that there was danger of losing valuables in 
that way. 


IN ALASKA. 


157 


“What shall we do now?” asked the professor. 
“I never studied the maps to any extent, and so far 
as I am concerned, I would be unable to find my 
way with any degree of certainty.” 

Edward was in tears. The seriousness of the 
matter had prevented him from acting or thinking. 
All seemed hopeless! What would become of his 
poor father now? But the professor’s words gave 
him an idea. Could he not redraw the map and 
directions from memory? He had studied them 
night after night for weeks, and he had read and 
reread the directions hundreds of times, and in his 
mind could now discern every line and word he had 
seen! He communicated his thoughts tO' the pro- 
fessor and Francis, and they quickly brought him a 
sheet of paper. He began to trace with feverish 
haste an exact copy of the map, thought it was 
crude. 

Then he transcribed the written directions, word 
for word, from start to finish. No move was made 
to continue the journey until Edward had finished, 
and the other goldseekers had already left when he 
was through with his work. The professor then 
read over the directions aloud, and all agreed that 


158 JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


the copy was an exact reproduction of the original. 
The map, too, appeared to be perfect in detail. 

The spirits of all the members of the party rose 
once more. 

There was much speculation as to^ who could have 
stolen the satchel, and what could be done with the 
maps and directions contained therein. There was 
nothing else of value in the grip, for the money they 
took with them had been divided, and each now 
carried a sum in a belt around the waist, so in case 
of accident, all the cash would not be lost. 

“There is some danger,” said James to Joe, “that 
the party or parties who stole the directions how to 
reach Mr. Barry will decide to go there. Anyone 
capable of such an act might commit a greater 
crime. The greed for gold might cause him or 
them to follow the map and effectually dispose of 
Mr. Barry, so as tO' secure his wealth, and we must 
make haste so as to get there first. Do' not suggest 
this to Edward, for the poor boy would worry him- 
self sick over it.” 

James decided to make great speed, and for a 
time push on day and night. 


IN ALASKA. 


159 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF ALASKA. 


Nowhere on the whole journey was such rapid 
progress made as on the river after leaving Lake 
Le Barge. The average speed was over four miles 
an hour. But it required skill and cool heads, and 
hard work to navigate the boat through the rapids. 
In places our friends guided their craft with a rope, 
and ran ahead along the shore, much of the time 
up to their knees in water, in their endeavor to keep 
it clear of rocks. Many times the boat would almost 
miraculously escape destruction in some wild whirl- 
pool, and then glide between jagged rocks that 
almost everywhere rose threateningly out of the 
seething waters. But our party was made up of 
men who fulfilled all the requirements of perilous 
navigation, and even with their unusually large boat 
they met with few mishaps and no serious accidents. 

Our party passed many boats that had crossed 


160 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


Lake Le Barge a week or more ahead of them, and 
the second afternoon that they were on the river, 
they were sailing along swiftly through the waters 
and came close to a small boat occupied by two 
men. 

Joe Farrell was keeping a sharp lookout, and his 
keen eyesight enabled him to distinguish the occu- 
pants of the craft in advance. They, too, appeared 
to have discovered something, for they were ob- 
served to- both begin to pull at the oars that had 
before been simply held in their hands. 

‘"James!” exclaimed Joe, suddenly, “by all that’s 
wonderful, there is Captain Hardy and his partner 
in that little boat ahead!” 

“Are you sure, Joe?” asked James, as he looked 
sharply in the direction indicated by Joe. “I guess 
you’re right, Joe. It looks remarkably like him, at 
all events. And see how desperately they are pull- 
ing at the oars. They have doubtless recognized 
us and are endeavoring to get away without our 
seeing them.” 

As James watched the occupants of the small 
craft, he wondered by what chance those men were 
again thrown into his path. What should he do? 



JUST AS THE GRAND ANIMAU WAS NEARING THE BANK, JAMES LET GO.— See page 164. 







IN ALASKA. 


161 


Endeavor to overhaul the captain and make him 
suffer for his crimes? or allow him to escape, and 
perhaps invite further trouble? But James' ever- 
generous and forgiving nature asserted itself, and 
he finally said to Joe: 

'‘Let them go. They appear anxious to avoid 
us, SO' I guess they will not bother us any more." 

“James, who do you think stole that map and 
those papers?" said Joe suddenly. “None other, 
I tell you, than Captain Hardy. He’s got those 
papers in his pockets now, and he’s just smart 
enough to follow the directions and go on to Wil- 
liam Barry and perhaps murder him for his gold and 
claim. He undoubtedly thinks that since the map 
and the other papers are lost we shall be compelled 
to give up our trip there. Let us overhaul him!" 

“That is only a supposition, Joe," said James. 
“No one saw him take the papers, but I agree with 
you in thinking that he is the thief. Yes., let us 
endeavor to overtake him and search him for the 
stolen documents." 

Francis, the professor, and Edward were awak- 
ened, and when they learned that Captain Hardy 
was ahead, and was supposed to be the one who 


162 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


stole the grip from the tent, they were anxious to 
make every endeavor to capture him. 

Meantime Captain Hardy had disappeared 
around a bend in the river, and was now out of 
sight, and when our friends came to that point they 
saw that the swift litttle craft was rapidly leaving 
their big boat behind. They saw that they were at 
a disadvantage, and also recognized that Captain 
Hardy, whO' was ready for any move that promised 
wealth, regardless of the methods to be pursued, 
would readily embrace the opportunity to go to 
where William Barry was alone and engaged in dig- 
ging gold. 

After passing the Big Salmon river, the stream 
becomes a mighty waterway, and a swift one, too. 
It was now a difficult matter to make a landing, as 
the boat had tO' be rowed straight for the bank, 
which it would strike with great force, necessitating 
someone jumping on shore or into the water with a 
rope to hold her there. 

Finally they came to Five Finger rapids, which 
they knew when they were near, by the swift cur- 
rents and the white foam and whirling eddies, and 
the thundering sound of rushing waters. The rapids 


IN ALASKA. 


163 


gets its name from the five gateways so plainly seen 
during low water. At high water only twO' fingers 
are visible. James had been told to take the right 
channel, it being the safer. Even that was danger- 
ous, as the boat was sure to ship considerable water 
in its dive. The boat now made better progress, 
and smoothly glided into the narrow gateway. All 
hands were ready, the professor made some appro- 
priate remarks, and suddenly the stern of the boat 
rose as the bow went down, and with a great splash 
that gave them a gentle sprinkling, the staunch 
craft shot the rapids, leaving the foaming spray be- 
hind. 

Here also, though sO' near to Dawson City, many 
a miner has seen his boat go wrong and become 
wrecked, and his provisions scatter in the wild 
waters. The Rink rapids were easily passed, and 
then Fort Selkirk was reached. The scene along 
the river here is noble and majestic, and can be 
likened to the Rhine or the Hudson. Only here 
are to be seen snow-capped mountains in all direc- 
tions. 

At Fort Selkirk they learned that two men an- 
swering the description of Captain Hardy and Jack 


164 JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


Williams had sold their boat, and, with a dog team, 
had started out on the Dalton trail. 

James realized that his old enemy was bound for 
the same locality as they were, and it was to be a 
race to see who got there first. Captain Hardy 
would probably go but a short distance on this trail 
and then turn off southwest. James intended to 
go on to the White river, proceed up as far as it 
was navigable, and then abandon his boat and con- 
tinue on, and he hoped to be able to reach his des- 
tination before Captain Hardy arrived there. 

The first day up this lonely and untraveled river 
Joe saw a moose swimming across the stream, and 
James got his rifle ready to shoot as soon as they 
should come in range. Just as the grand animal 
was nearing the bank James let go, and evidently 
wounded him, for he fell over. All hands pulled 
hard to reach the big brute, as they were hungry 
for fresh meat, and it would be a matter of pride, 
too, to have secured a specimen of that rare crea- 
ture. 

As the boat neared the point where the moose 
lay in the shallow water there were signs of the ani- 
mal reviving, and the giant antlers rose on the 


IN ALASKA. 


165 


majestic poise of the head; and, seeing the boat, he 
made a desperate dash at it, nearly tipping it over. 
The professor’s coat was caught on the strong 
horns, and he was pulled over into the water before 
anyone was aware of it. 

He shouted for help, and as he fell from the horns 
into the water head first, Francis grasped him by 
the legs, and he and Edward hauled him into the 
boat. He muttered a few words, we are sorry to 
say, words which no one in the party had heard pass 
his lips before, and, after James had put a couple of 
more bullets into the struggling Alaskan beast, 
Francis remarked to the professor that they would 
soon be enjoying the luxury of fresh meat. 

The professor looked dejected, and said that 
there was no' need of fresh meat while they were so 
well supplied with bacon and dried fruits. He 
declared that the moose was of a very low order of 
brutes, and failed to* see any beauty in the tremen- 
dous antlers. 

'‘Unattractive as is the personal appearance of 
the moose,” said the professor, "his moral nature 
and disposition are no less disreputable. See those 
big ears that look like the spinnaker of a racing 


166 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


cutter; they are ever on the alert with his inquiring 
nose toi learn whether his precious skin is safe. But 
two thoughts find room within his gigantic head — • 
to keep his stomach full and his hide whole; and 
to them, especially the latter, every resource of his 
nature is devoted. He is the embodiment of pure 
and undiluted selfishness. He got his just deserts, 
and I’m not a bit sorry that he is dead.” 

“You were quite unlucky/’ remarked Francis, as 
he looked at the professor, who sat shivering in the 
boat. 

“No wonder,” remarked the professor, “I was 
born on a Friday, on the 13th of the month, at thir- 
teen minutes past the hour, and alongside of a 
graveyard. I’m positive that it will be the death 
of me some day.” 

A fire was built, and the professor was soon in a 
more cheerful spirit. 

They all ate heartily of the juicy steaks of the 
moose, and, after securing all that they could well 
carry, they again proceeded on their journey. 

The sky showed every indication of an approach- 
ing storm, SO tents were pitched and everything 
made snug for the night. It grew cold, and the 


IN ALASKA. 


167 


fine snow penetrated their tent in many places. 
They secured a lot of wood and made a hot fire and 
passed the evening very pleasantly. Turns were 
taken to keep up a blaze all night, and in the morn- 
ing they found their boat frozen solidly in the ice. 
The whole river was frozen, and it was decided that 
here they would cut their craft out of the ice and 
haul it into the woods in case they should desire to 
return that way in the spring. 

They got ready their sleighs, which they had in 
their boat, and, loading them with their goods^ con- 
tinued up the river, which now made good travel- 
ing. Great mountains encompassed them on all 
sides, and James made daily notes and drawings of 
the ground over which they passed. 

They expected that within a few days or a week 
they would see some of the mountains described in 
their papers. It was a difficult and perilous trip, as 
they were going through a country where a human 
foot had probably never before trod. Thus they 
traveled on, day after day. 

One day they observed several Indians at a great 
distance, but little attention was paid to them, as 
the Alaskan natives appeared inoffensive, except as 


168 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


regards srnells, which was offensive in the extreme. 

James, Joe and the professor had gone forward 
with a load, and were searching for the best route 
over the mountains. Helen, Francis and Edward 
were awaiting their return. Francis had gone into 
the woods a distance to follow the tracks of some 
animal, and while he was gone half a dozen Indians 
suddenly appeared. 

Helen was terribly frightened as soon as she saw 
their serious looks. 

^^Halo muck-muck, clutchman?” asked the chief 
or spokesman, pointing to his mouth. (Have you 
much to eat, white woman?) 

Helen pointed to the provisions and shook her 
head, and Edward got his revolver ready to defend 
Helen, the provisions and himself, if need be. 


IN ALASKA. 


169 


CHAPTER XIX. 

WM. BARRY AND THE INDIANS’ PRISONERS. 

Let US now see what William Barry was doing, 
all by himself in that wild, but supposedly rich, 
country. 

His partner, Albert Nugent, had left him several 
months before, and Mr. Barry now began to look 
for his reappearance. There had been some heavy 
storms and cold weather, and he hoped to see his 
partner return before the snow got too deep for 
easy going. 

He had been working on a rich claim all through 
the fall and early winter, and he secreted a large 
amount of gold dust and nuggets, in case he was 
attacked by robbers. In his pocket and also in his 
log cabin he had a description of their whereabouts 
in cipher, and the keyword was also known by the 
late Albert Nugent, his former partner, so that in 


170 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


case of his death during his partner’s absence, the 
latter could easily locate the hiding place. 

There was a “ciwash” (tribe) of Indians several 
miles away from his “stick hobosh” (log cabin), and 
one of them was on very friendly terms with the lone 
miner. Mr. Barry had saved his life one day, and 
also provided him with food when he was nearly 
starved. The Indians were great beggars by nature, 
and the thousands of miners who' went into the 
Copper river by way of Port Valdes found them by 
hundreds on the verge of starvation. It seems that 
they are an improvident set, and run the risk of star- 
vation every year without a particle of worry. 

One day, this Indian, who was named Nicholai, 
called on Mr. Barry and said that some Indians had 
a “clutchman” (white woman) and “bosh” (boy) 
with them. He explained that the woman was 
young, and appeared in great grief. 

“Where are they?” asked Mr. Barry, who was 
determined to lend a helping hand, if possible. 

“One sleep, hi-u walk” (day and night fast walk), 
and then pointing south, continued: “Hi you sku- 
kum” (over those high mountains). 

Mr. Barry wondered who could be the unfortu- 


IN ALASKA. 


171 


nate persons in the hands of the Indians, and what 
the natives intended to dO' with them. He was 
determined to go to their rescue, as he knew a num- 
ber of the Indians, and they had never molested 
him, probably having due respect for his ability to 
defend himself. 

Taking his rifle and putting several revolvers into 
his belt, he provided himself with blankets and sev- 
eral days’ rations, placed them on a sleigh, and 
started across the mountains indicated by Nicholai. 
The Indian would not go along, as he feared the 
displeasure of the tribe if they learned that he had 
given the information concerning their captives. 

Mr. Barry made rapid headway, and by evening 
was descending the snow-clad mountains toward the 
Indian village, situated alongside a river. He could 
see the natives spearing salmon through holes in the 
ice. 

He was in doubt whether to gO' boldly into the 
village and endeavor to secure the release of the 
captives, or try to effect their escape at night. The 
latter course would be almost impossible, as the 
dogs about the huts would make such a racket as 
to awaken everyone in the village. While the dogs 


172 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


are not in use, they are allowed to shift for them- 
selves, and they roam about, howling dismally, 
fighting over bones, and stealing anything and 
everything they can get, from an old boot to a piece 
of rawhide. Even when working they never receive 
more than a frozen salmon a day. 

Mr. Barry finally decided to wait until morning 
and then go to the Indians and make them an offer 
for the prisoners’ release. 

He found a sheltered place, and built a fire and 
went tO' sleep, and during the night all the canines 
in the village were attracted to his camping-place. 
The smell of bacon was too powerful for them to 
resist, and, in hopes of securing a morsel, they had 
come from miles distant. 

Mr. Barry found it difficult to chase them away, 
and secured very little sleep that night. 

Next morning bright and early he entered the 
village, and was soon in the presence of Chief Stick- 
man. 

The Indians knew considerable English, but re- 
fused to speak more of it than was necessary to 
make themselves understood. 


IN ALASKA. 


173 


“You have a woman and a boy here,” said Mr. 
Barry. “Where did they come from?” 

The chief nodded his head, and pointing to the 
north, said: 

“One sleep, two sleep, hi-u walk; hi you skukum, 
tenash skukum.” (Two days’ fast walk over high 
mountains and small mountains.) 

“Who are they?” asked Barry. 

“Chichalker Chief Stickman ros.” (Newcomers 
in Chief Stickman’s land.) 

“Where are they?” 

The chief pointed to one shanty, saying “clutch- 
man,” and then to another, saying “bosh.” 

Mr. Barry then knew that the woman was in one 
place and the boy or young man in another. 

“How much do you want for them?” asked 
Barry. 

“Halo muck-muck.” 

“Can’t do it, my friend,” answered Barry. “I’ve 
only enough myself to last a couple of months, and 
I couldn’t part with a pound of bacon under any 
circumstances.” 

“Guns,” then said the chief. 

Barry shook his head. 


174 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


‘‘I couldn’t think of parting with this rifle and 
these revolvers. They are necessary for my protec- 
tion. I can give you gold, though. How much do 
you want?” 

''How much you have?” asked the chief. 

Mr. Barry showed up what he had. 

"Bosh, not clutchman!” said the chief, looking at 
the gold he offered. 

"Both or neither,” said Barry, determinedly. 

"Bring one, two, three gold,” said the Indian, 
"and have clutchman and bosh.” 

"You want three times as much,” said Barry. 
"So you value the woman twice as high as the man. 
That’s because she is white, I suppose. If she hap- 
pened to be Indian she would be valued at only half 
as much as the boy. I must return to camp then, 
to get more gold,” said Mr. Barry. 

He knew by experience that it was useless to 
argue with the Indians. What they once said they 
generally insisted upon. 

"I’ll be back in two days then, with the gold. 
Take good care of them, and give them plenty to 
eat, and I will throw in an extra nugget,” and, say- 
iiiff good-bye, he hastily started on his return trip. 


IN ALASKA. 


175 


He made all possible speed in order to return and 
quickly secure the release of the captives, who' were 
doubtless undergoing much suffering, besides being 
greatly alarmed. 

He traveled rapidly all day, sometimes walking 
fast, and sometimes falling into a dog-trot, but failed 
to reach home that day. He again camped for the 
nighty made a big fire to keep warm, and, rolling 
himself into his blanket, slept as soundly as a child 
in its comfortable bed. Next morning he was up 
early, and by ten o’clock he reached his cabin. 

He was much startled to see smoke issuing from 
the opening in the roof, and he made a careful 
reconnoiter before he approached the log house. 
He watched and waited for several hours, and finally 
saw a man come out of the door and take a look 
about. He had a rifle in his hand, and seemed pre- 
pared to use it if necessary. 

“Hello there!” called out Mr. Barry. “Do you 
know that you are in my house?” 

The stranger looked at him and answered: 

“Your house? It might have been your house 
once, but we’ve taken possession, and we intend to 
remain here. We’ve found just what we’ve been 


176 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


looking for, and weVe worked pretty hard to find 
it, too. There’s a pretty nice pile of nuggets and 
gold dust in a box here, and as soon as we rest up 
a bit, we may leave again. For the present, sir, you 
had better steer clear of this locality.” 

. Mr. Barry was dumbfounded at the audacity and 
heartlessness of the speaker, and his anger became so 
great that he raised his rifle to his shoulder to sum- 
marily dispose of the man who had just spoken, but 
before he could shoot, a bullet whizzed past his 
body, fired from an opening in the cabin. 

Not being aware of how many men he had to deal 
with, but knowing that there were at least two, and 
both desperate characters, he quickly retreated to 
a safe distance to^ consider his position. 

He realized that he was in a desperate condition. 
To be compelled to abandon his snug cabin now, 
with winter only fairly set in, would mean death to 
him, unless he could remain with the Indians. But 
he did not intend to submit quietly to the demands 
of the men who now had possession of his house. 
He was determined tO' take up a position where he 
could overlook his cabin and shoot the first man 
that appeared. But the men refused to show them- 



BELOW ON THE RIVER’S BANK THEY SAW THE STRAGGLING HUTS OF CHIEF STICKMAN’S “CIWASH. 

— See page 1S4. 







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IN ALASKA. 


177 


selves, and the dogs belonging to the strangers 
made such a disturbance that he was forced to re~ 
tire to a more distant position. 

Finally he determined to return to the Indians, 
hunt up Nicholai, and secure the service of several 
of the Indians’s friends, and return to attack the in- 
vaders. 

Though feeling confident that he would soon 
secure possession of his cabin, he feared that the 
robbers would carry off several thousand dollars’ 
worth of gold which he had left in the house. He 
had felt so secure against any such visits, that he 
had not taken the precaution to hide that gold, as 
he had the bulk of his hard-earned wealth. 

As he finally arrived in view of his destination, he 
observed four men, fully armed, making all haste 
toward the Indian village. 


178 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XX. 

JAMES AND HIS FRIENDS TO THE RESCUE. 

As Helen and Edward stood there facing- the In- 
dians, some of the natives crowded about them, 
while the others examined the provisions, handling 
the articles as though they were their own property. 
One of the Indians gave a signal, and two more 
natives appeared with a sleigh and a dog team, and 
they began to pile on the goods. Edward protested 
and even raised his revolver threateningly, but his 
arms were soon grasped, and he was made power- 
less. 

In a few moments the sleigh held all that the 
dogs would be able to pull, and, forcing Helen and 
Edward to accompany them, they went in a direc- 
tion nearly opposite to' that taken by James and the 
others. 

They started off rapidly, and made such headway 
as to keep Helen and Edward running a great deal 
of the time. 


IN ALASKA. 


179 


Helen had made a frantic resistance, but she 
could do nothing against the sturdy natives. Ed- 
ward advised her to go along peaceably, and they 
would watch their opportunity to escape. 

The Indians kept up a rapid pace for several 
hours, when they came to a mountain. Each quick- 
ly took a bag of provisions and climbed over the 
precipitous side of the snow-covered hills, and 
Helen found the pace very exhausting. She had 
been going as rapidly as she could for several hours, 
but now she was allowed a rest until several of the 
natives returned for the remainder of the provisions. 
Then on, on they went, as though expecting pur- 
suit, and Edward observed that they were making 
a big circle. His experience in Alaska had made 
him wonderfully observing, and he quickly saw what 
the Indians were endeavoring to do. 

At night they camped, and it was many hours 
before Helen could go to sleep. At last she suc- 
cumbed to fatigue, and fell into a deep slumber. 
Edward had cheered her all day, and, being quite 
philosophical himself, he slept soundly all night. 

In the morning the natives again hurried on to 
their destination, and by evening they were at the 


180 JAMES GRlFFlN^S ADVENTURES 


Indian village. A large number of people collected 
to see the two strangers, and all rejoiced over the 
large amount of ‘‘muck muck” that had been se- 
cured. There appeared to be but one word for all 
manner of food, and whether it was fish, bacon, or 
elk, they called it “muck muck.” 

Helen was brought to the chiefs hut, which was 
already filled to overflowing with children and bad 
odors. But she made the best of her situation. 

Edward was housed in a different part of the vil- 
lage, and was compelled to undergo equally dis- 
agreeable trials. 

They had been there several days when Helen 
heard that a miner was endeavoring tO' secure their 
release. The chief told her that the stranger was 
going back tO' his camp to secure gold to pay for her 
liberty. Oh, how eagerly she waited for the next 
day! Helen had watched the women at work with 
their needles, and she might have taught them many 
things, but she was too anxious and worried to 
apply herself to anything, and there was no one to 
whom she could speak of her troubles. 

She found the natives intensely ignorant and 
practicing witchcraft in all its cruel forms. They 


IN ALASKA. 


181 


looked for all the world like Japanese, and she could 
easily believe them to have originated from that 
race. They were keen in trade, quick to learn, and 
many were quite skillful in carving on metal, bone, 
or wood. They had largely developed chests, shoul- 
ders and arms, which no doubt came from many 
generations of canoe-paddling ancestors. Their 
lower extremities were, however, weak-looking, and 
the majority of them were bow-legged. 

^ 

We shall now return to Francis, who, when he 
got back to camp from his hunt for a silver fox 
(whose fur he failed to secure), was dumbfounded 
to see the greater portion of the provisions gone, 
and Helen and Edward nowhere to be seen. He 
halloed loudly, but there was no answer. His heart 
came into his throat, and a strange sensation of fear 
entered his mind. He called frantically: “Miss 
Griffin! Helen!” and in waiting for an answer he 
could hear the pulsations of his heart, but nothing 
more. He began to search for traces of their where- 
abouts, and soon saw the marks of the sleigh-run- 
ners, and the prints of Helen’s shoes in the snow 
and the tracks of many Indian feet. He followed the 


182 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


trail for several miles, and then realized that he could 
do nothing alone against so many natives if they 
showed resistance, so he hurriedly returned, and 
then went to inform James of their misfortune. 

Francis followed the trail of James and his party, 
and after several hours’ steady run, he came up to 
them crossing a mountain about fifteen miles from 
camp. Francis was so exhausted from his day’s 
various tramps that he could hardly speak. 

He stood before James unable tO' say a word. 

“What is it, Francis?” asked James, fearing some 
misfortune. “Are Helen and Edward well?” 

Francis shook his head, and finally managed to 
relate to James the events of the morning. 

James was for a moment stunned, and to think of 
his dear sister being in the hands of those ignorant 
and dirty savages made him desperate. 

“We are not far from Barry’s claim, according to 
our maps,” said Joe, “but we’d better cache our 
provisions here, and, with what we shall need for a 
week start in pursuit of the robbers. I think they’ll 
feel pretty sick when they get in front of our guns.” 

James was silent, but the determined look in his 
face boded ill for the captors of Helen and Edward. 


IN ALASKA. 


183 


“Auri sacra fames, (this accursed thirst for gold), 
has brought us in this trouble,” said the professor. 
“Why could we not have been satisfied in San Fran- 
cisco?” 

While they were disposing of their provisions, 
Francis lay down to rest. In half an hour they were 
ready to return to where Helen and Edward had 
been overpowered, and when they arrived there 
they hid the provisions that the Indians were unable 
to carry away and then hurriedly followed the trail. 
They had not gone far when night overtook them, 
and they reluctantly camped for a few hours’ rest. 
Bright and early they were again on their way, and 
they soon discovered that the Indians were de- 
scribing a big circle. Had they known this from 
the beginning, they might have saved many miles’ 
travel. During the day a light snow fell, which 
nearly obliterated the trail. 

James studied the maps and saw where they were, 
and also the location of the Indian village, and be- 
lieving that these robbers belonged to Chief Stick- 
man’s tribe, he no longer endeavored to follow the 
trail, but started straight for the village. The map 


184 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


showed that William Barry’s claim was but a couple 
of days’ travel distant. 

In due time our friends came to the top of a 
mountain, and down below on the river’s bank they 
saw the straggling huts of Chief Stickman’s 
‘‘ciwash.” 

Then they stopped to lay out a plan of action. 
They would boldly demand the prisoners and their 
provisions, and if they were refused they would 
make a personal search, and, upon the first sign of 
a hostile action, they would make use of their weap- 
ons. 

“I wonder,” remarked the professor, ‘‘if those In- 
dians are anthropophagenarians?” 

“Anthro what?” gasped Joe. 

‘‘Why, cannibals,” returned the professor. 

“Can’t say, I am sure. They eat suckers, though, 
so I’ve heard,” said Joe, grimly. 

As they drew near enough to be seen, several In- 
dians came out to meet them. They appeared very 
friendly when they saw so formidable a force, but 
when questioned as to the prisoners they pretended 
to know nothing about them. 

James pointed significantly to his rifle, but it only 


IN ALASKA. 


185 


brought a more pronounced denial as to any knowl- 
edge of the persons mentioned. 

Then James, Joe, the professor and Francis began 
to enter the huts and occasionally shout for Helen 
and Edward. They went through the whole vil- 
lage without finding a trace of the captives. 

“James,” said Joe, “I believe these wretches have 
taken Helen and Edward out of the village, so as 
to mislead us.’^ 

“Yes,” said the professor. “Their interest in us 
appears too great to be real. We must use some 
other means of learning where they are.” 

As they returned to Chief Stickman he smiled 
triumphantly. 

“The white men now believe what me told them,” 
he said. “No clutchman, no bosh here. Me know 
nothing of them. Me honest; no steal. Me give 
white men muck-muck (salmon), and then go 
again.” 

“Not SO fast, my fine fellow,” said James, his 
anger rising at the wily red man’s words, and his 
expectation that they would be satisfied with a few 
frozen fish. “You bring us the captives here by 
to-night or we shall take you out on the mountains 


186 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


and shoot you through the heart. We’re going 
now, and you must go with us. Tell your friends 
what I have said, and then come along.” 

The native chief stood a moment in meditation. 
He feared that if the men found he had the captives 
they would also know that he had the provisions, 
and they would not only lose both, but might be 
punished also. Besides he expected a handsome 
ransom for the twO' prisoners from the miner who 
would be back that day. He was in a dilemma. He 
looked at James and saw nothing but a set deter- 
mination in his face. He felt sure that if the pris- 
oners were not restored to their friends within the 
specified time, he would be summarily dealt with. 
Calling one of the Indians, he spoke tO' him for some 
minutes, and then James ordered the chief to fall in, 
and they started to march out of the foul-smelling 
village, to the consternation of the native men, 
women and children. 

Their cries and lamentations stirred up the In- 
dians, and James observed that they were preparing 
to attempt a rescue. He did not wish to precipitate 
a fight, and at the same time was determined to re- 
tain possession of the chief. 


IN ALASKA. 


187 


Suddenly there was heard a voice in the air. 

“Do not harm the white men. The chief must 
go with them, and if the clutchman and bosh are not 
brought to the white men, the chief must die. Does 
Chief Stickman hear that?” 

The Indians looked about with astonishment and 
alarm. 

Again the voice sounded right over their heads: 

“Go at once and bring the clutchman and bosh 
tO' the top of the mountain.” 

The Indians became terror-stricken. They drop- 
ped their weapons and disappeared at once, and 
James and his friends again started of! with their 
prisoner. 

Thus) again James’ gift of ventriloquism came in 
handy. 


188 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XXL 

OUR FRIENDS HAVE MANY SURPRISES. 

As William Barry stood watching the four men 
entering the village, he also observed two Indians 
with a white woman and a young man in front of 
them go running down the river on the ice. 

“The captives!” he exclaimed. “I wonder what 
those rascals are up to now? I’ll watch and see!” 
Mr. Barry half suspected that the white men he had 
seen were a rescuing party, so he determined to keep 
the captives in sight, and he ran along the river bank 
with his light sleigh, keeping the party in view. 
They were soon out of sight around a bend of the 
stream, but he kept on until he saw the trail lead to 
a hut, several miles from the village. He followed, 
fully determined to go there and endeavor to secure 
the release of the two prisoners. 

The Indians knew him, but refused tO' allow him 
to come near, saying that he must see the chief. 


IN ALASKA. 


189 


Mr. Barry offered them the gold he had with 
him, but the natives shook their heads. Then he 
started for the hut, and the Indians raised their 
spears threateningly. Mr. Barry put his rifle to his 
shoulder, at which they dropped their weapons and 
raised their hands, denoting submission. 

At the same moment the door suddenly flew open 
and out came Helen and Edward. 

“Oh, save us, sir!” cried Helen, imploringly, as 
she ran to the miner, who' was holding the natives at 
bay with raised rifle. 

“Come right here. Miss,” said Mr. Barry; “and, 
young man, take this revolver. It's two to two 
now, so I think we can take care of ourselves. Let 
us hurry away as fast as we can.” 

“How kind and brave you are to come to our 
rescue!” exclaimed Helen, with gratitude. “How 
can we ever repay you?” 

“Never mind about that, young lady. It would 
be a heartless man, indeed, who would not lend a 
helping hand to one in distress. Come!” And 
telling Helen and Edward to cross the river, he fol- 
lowed behind to keep an eye on the two natives. 

As Edward first gazed on the face of his rescuer, 


190 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


he was greatly startled. His thoughts went back 
to when he was about twelve years of age, and when 
he had parted with his father, whO' was then bound 
for Alaska, where, with a number of others, he had 
expected to become “rich beyond the dreams of 
avarice.’^ As he now compared his father with this 
man, he noted a great resemblance, though he re^ 
membered his father as being much younger and 
wearing only a moustache, while this man had a full 
beard, and appeared much thinner. He followed 
Helen mechanically, and occasionally looked back 
at his rescuer with a strange sensation in his heart. 
He was much affected, and a conviction was enter- 
ing his soul that this generous, daring and self-sacri- 
ficing man was no other than his father. Tears of 
joy came to his eyes as he asked himself if that man 
was really his dear parent. It must be so! He 
could be no other! 

“What is the matter, Edward?” asked Helen, as 
she kept running; “you seem disturbed and affected 
about something.” 

“I think I have made a discovery, Miss Griffin,” 
answered Edward, beginning to recover his usual 


manner. 


IN ALASKA, 


191 


“And pray, what may it be?” asked Helen. “A 
gold mine?” 

“Better than that!” answered Edward; “I feel al- 
most certain that I have found my father I” 

“When and where did you find him?” asked 
Helen, wonderingly. 

“Miss Griffin,” said Edward, with great feeling, 
“I am convinced that our rescuer here is no other 
than my dear father, whom we have traveled so far 
to find.” 

“Oh, Edward, are you sure? How fortunate we 
are if it is true! So' noble and brave!” exclaimed 
Helen. 

“Say nothing about it, yet. Miss Griffin,” said 
Edward. “Let us await developments.” 

They were now across the river, and were soon 
joined by Mr. Barry. He hurried them forward, 
and said that they should reach the heights of a 
mountain nearby as soon as possible, so as to have a 
good view of the village without being seen them- 
selves. They had no sooner reached an elevated 
position, than they observed the four white men 
leaving the village, with an Indian accompanying 
them. They went several points to the west of 


192 JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


where Helen, Edward and Mr. Barry were con- 
cealed, but even at that great distance Helen and 
Edward both recognized James and his friends. 

“It’s James and the others!” exclaimed Helen. 
“Oh, let us hasten to them!” 

“Wait a moment, young lady,” said Mr. Barry; 
“we can go along this hill and reach them within a 
short time and without being observed. There go 
several natives down the river toward where you 
two were confined. Maybe they have decided to 
liberate you. Well, they’ll be too late, that’s all. 
Come, let us hurry toward your friends.” 

Mr. Barry had been so absorbed in his work of 
rescue and his endeavor to reach this advantageous 
position that he hardly looked at the late captives, 
and had asked no questions of them, and Helen and 
Edward were silent, but observing. They hurried 
on over the hard snow and great piles of rocks, al- 
ways keeping James, Joe, the professor and Francis 
in view. 

“Are we going too fast for you. Miss,” asked Mr. 
Barry. “We had better slow up, as we have plenty 
of time, and will soon cross the trail of your friends. 
We can follow it and catch up to them easily at the 



INDIAN HUTS AND MINERS’ TENTS. — 5 ^ 5 200. MINERS SEDUING OUT AND GOING HOME.— 5 ^^ page 220, 


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IN ALASKA. 


193 


rate they are going. I wonder what they intend 
doing with that Indian?” he mused to himself. 

Helen was nearly exhausted, as she had gone 
many miles over exceedingly rough ground, and 
was weak from fatigue and hunger. 

A halt was made and a fire built, and Mr. Barry 
prepared a simple but appetizing meal to- which they 
all did justice. 

“We’re pretty short of rations,” said Mr. Barry, 
after all had finished, “but I guess you will be 
among your friends before you need to eat again.” 

“What will you do then for food?” asked Helen. 

“Oh, I have enough in my cabin, but at present 
I cannot get it. Perhaps I’ll have to ask a favor of 
your friends. They can be of great help to me if 
they will.” 

“Rest assured that you can depend upon them,” 
said Helen. “My brother will be grateful for your 
kindness to us, and there is no favor you could ask 
that he would not grant, if it is within his power.” 

“But this is a serious undertaking — he may be 
compelled tO' risk his life.” 

“And have you not done as much for us?” an- 


194 JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


swered Helen. ‘‘You will find our friends all that 
you could wish them to be.” 

Still not a word had been said concerning per- 
sonal matters, and no names had been mentioned. 
Mr. Barry seemed neither inquisitive nor commun- 
icative. Helen and Edward hoped to hear him men- 
tion his name, but he did not do so, and they offered 
nO' information about themselves, or asked any 
questions of their rescuer. 

Mr. Barry seemed in no hurry to go on, so a long 
rest was enjoyed by Helen and Edward. Mr. Barry 
busied himself with his sleigh, and watched the In- 
dian village critically. 

At last a start was made, and in a couple of hours 
they came to- the trail of James and his friends. At 
the same time they saw several natives coming to- 
ward them from the village, so our friends hid them- 
selves until the Indians had passed, and then fol- 
lowed on. They soon came in view of James’ party, 
and the Indians appeared excited over something. 

James was observed to tie the chief’s hands be- 
hind him, and at a distance 'of ten yards stood Joe, 
gun in hand. The other Indians fell upon the 


IN ALASKA. 


195 


ground and appeared to be pleading for the life of 
their leader. 

“It looks as though they are threatening to shoot 
that sly old dog if he does not deliver you two up, 
and the Indians are telling of your escape. Guess 
we’d better show ourselves,” said Barry. 

Then Mr. Barry uttered a loud halloo, and James 
and the others looked in the direction of the sound 
and saw Helen, Edward and a stranger approach- 
ing. 

While James, Francis and the professor had eyes 
only for Helen and Edward^ Joe was critically scru- 
tinizing the stranger. 

There was a happy meeting between the liberated 
captives and the other members of the party, and 
when Francis’ turn came to greet Helen, he could 
not resist an impulse to imprint a kiss upon her rosy 
lips. The professor smiled knowingly, and, extend- 
ing his hands to Francis and Helen, said: “Tax 
vobiscum’ (God be with you). I am glad to see 
that you young people have come to understand 
each other. Quite romantic, too, on top of a moun- 
tain, with zero weather,” and then turning to Fran- 
cis the professor continued: “Let me congratulate 


196 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


you, Francis, on your conquest. As my Scotch 
friend, MacFarlane, would say, she is ‘a fawsont, 
primsie, couthie hizzie; nocht pawkie or skeigh 
aboot her/ which translated into English, means 
that she is a seemly, demure, loving young girl; 
nothing sly or proud about her.’' 

''James,” said Helen, when she had recovered 
herself sufficiently to speak, "we are indebted to 
this man for our liberty. Single-handed, he res- 
cued us from the natives, after they had taken us 
out of the village. I do not know his name, but 1 
think you will find him just the kind of a man you 
have been looking for. He wants to ask a favor of 
you — grant it if you can.” 

Then Helen turned tO' Mr. Barry and said: 

"My friend, here is my brother, Mr. Griffin,” 
and then, extending her hand toward the others, 
said: "Professor Caldwell, Mr. EaBoule and Mr. 
Farrell.” 

At the mention of Joe’s name, Mr. Barry sprang 
forward, and they grasped each other warmly by the 
hands. 

The old partners had met again! 


IN ALASKA, 


197 


CHAPTER XXIL 

JAMES’ FATHER GOES TO THE COPPER RIVER COUNTRY. 

When Emil Griffin, James’ father, received his 
son’s letter in Paris, France, telling of his intention 
to go into the Copper river country to look for 
William Barry, he concluded tO' also make a trip 
there, but by the water route via Port Valdes, and 
then across country tO' the place James had so care- 
fully and minutely explained to him from the map 
and papers of the late Albert Nugent. Mr. Griffin 
thought the trip would do him good, as he now felt 
strong and rested. As his son James expected to 
spend a whole year there, he would be sure of meet- 
ing him during the summer. 

He secured books of information and maps, and 
calculated that if he left San Francisco or Seattle in 
March, he would be able tO' reach the South fork 
of the Chusana at about the right season of the year. 

There were still several months’ time before the 


198 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


trip could be made, so Mr. and Mrs. Griffin spent 
some weeks in the South of Europe and then re- 
turned to New York and to San Francisco. 

Mr. Griffin had assured Mrs. Griffin that there 
would be little or no danger on the short trip over- 
land, and that within a few months he would be with 
James and Helen. The distance from Port Valdes 
was less than 200 miles, and thousands were going 
over the trail. 

After spending a week at home, Mr. Griffin de- 
cided to go to Seattle to fit himself out for the trip, 
and, after a few days,, the steamer Excelsior left the 
wharf amid great scenes of excitement, bound for 
Valdes, near the mouth of the Copper river. 

Once on board, Mr. Griffin looked about to see 
with whom he would cast his lot in crossing the 
glaciers, as is would be unwise, if not physically im- 
possible, for a man to attempt to go alone. 

He finally became acquainted with a small party 
of men from the East — that is, Wisconsin, which in 
San Francisco is considered the East. The leader 
was a stalwart and intelligent fellow named Charles 
Dietrich, and arrangements were soon made with 
him, and thereafter they were much together. Mr. 


IN ALASKA. 


199 


Dietrich kept a diary of his trip, which is herewith 
given, as it is exact in every particular: 

THE DIARY.'* 


March 20, 1898 — Sailed at 
3:30 p. m. on the steamer 
Excelsior. Thousands of 
people at the wharf. 

March 21 — First day out, 
sunshine and lovely scen- 
ery. Many mountains to 
be seen. 

March 22 — Met a steamer 
coming back. It was load- 
ed with fine people and all 
were happy. Saw a lot of 
seals, ducks and five whales. 
This is no fish story. Had 
to lay in bay all night on 
account of fog, but got 
away at 5 o’clock in the 
morn/ing. 

March 23 — Snow and rain 
this morning. Saw more 
whales and seals, and 
sunken steamer. Stopped 
at St. Mary’s Island. Snow- 
capped mountains all about 
us. Mailed letters home. 

March 24 — W eather 
stormy. Saw some sharks. 
Sea awful rough. I feel sea 
sick, but Mr. Griffin stands 


it O. K. He’s used to the 
sea and has his sea legs on. 
Only ate one meal to-day. 
Can’t keep it down. 

March 25 — Feel better 
this morning. A volcano is 
in sight off Sitka, Alaska. 
Nothing now but snow- 
topped mountains. Weath- 
er moderating, sea quiet. 
Feeling a little better. Will 
try to eat breakfast. Saw 
some sharks and porpoises. 
Mt. St. Elias, over 18,000 
feet high, is a great sight. 
Sea getting rough again. 
Have that tired, spring feel- 
ing. 

March 26 — Sunday — 
Shores of Alaska in sight. 
Lovely day. Just passed a 
steamer with a lot of gold 
seekers on board. Feel 
better. Had a cup of coffee 
with five biscuits. 

March 27-28 — Remained 
at Orca for thirty hours. 
Finally got started, but ran 
into a snowstorm and are 


*The Diary was kept from day to day and the events therein described 
can be relied upon as being absolutely correct as can be verified by any of 
the thousands of people who went over the route. 


200 


JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


drifting around. Don’t 
know where we are. To 
pass away the time the boys 
are fishing. Caught co'd- 
fish and halibut. Had to 
anchor again. 

March 29 — Still on the 
way to Valdes pass. Snow- 
storms raging again, and 
boat drifting. We are all 
getting sick of it. Maybe 
we shall get ashore to-mor- 
row. Hope so. 

March 30 — The same old 
chestnut, and the same old 
snowstorm. Haven’t mov- 
ed an inch in twenty-four 
hours. We are paying $10 
a day to sleep on a piece 
of canvas, and have to use 
our own blankets. There 
are about 200 men bunked 
up together in the room, 
and you can’t imagine how 
things are running. Our 
meals are s-erved, or rather 
thrown at us, on a swinging 
table, which we have to 
catch before we can get 
something to eat. Every- 
body grabs a tin dish, and 
then the steward comes 
along with a large pan — and 
there you are. It is enough 
to make a man sick. Lucky 
for Mr. Griffin that he got 
special quarters. I don’t 


think he could stand it here. 

March 31 — At the foot of 
the Pass at last! — ii o’clock 
a. m. 

April I — In camp on the 
beach. Getting our goods 
straightened out. Every- 
body had to help unload 
and all were willing to 
work to get a little exer- 
cise. 

April 2 — In camp still, 
tired and worn out with 
work. Packed four loads 
about 354 miles up the 
trail. Think we will rest 
to-morrow. This is no fun. 

April 3 (Sunday) — Rest- 
ing to-day. Beans for din- 
ner, could not get fresh 
meat. Steamer Arrival 
came in to-day with 120 
passengers. We shall start 
to-morrow for the trail. 

April 4 — At Copper City. 
There are lots of tents and 
about 100 men moving 
about and working hard. 
Made two trips to-day. It 
is no fun to pull a sleigh 
up about 70 feet high. 
Wouldn’t do it again for 
love or money, but we will 
get there just the same. 
Mr. Griffin stands it first- 
rate, and I guess he will 


IN ALASKA. 


201 


hold out with the best of 
us. Another steamer, the 
Alliance, landed a crowd 
here to-day. Don’t know 
who they are. Didn’t have 
time to see them. 

April 5 — Still at work 
getting our goods to the 
first bench. Will finish to- 
morrow I think. Cook is 
making biscuits and rolling 
them out with a beer bottle. 
Have to melt snow to get 
water, and we have to haul 
wood about two miles to 
keep warm. When at home 
we would kick to go to the 
w'oodshed to get wood or 
coal, but it’s no use kicking 
here. Such is life in Alaska. 

April 6 — Two trips to- 
day. Very hard work. 
Have a bad cold, and think 
ni rest this afternoon. Will 
strike out for second bench 
to-morrow. Lots of fun to 
pull a sled with a 20O-pound 
load on a 70-foot grade, 
and keep going up and 
down hill all day — I guess 
nit! 

April 7 — At it still. Work- 
ing with block and tackle 
now. Three gangs bunched 
up together. A dozen men 
pull about 800 pounds up 
the mountain side. There 


are four benches, and we 
are on the second one now. 
We make about a mile a 
day with all our goods. 

April 8 — ‘Will try the 
third bench to-day with 
block and tackle. You load 
your sled at the bottom of 
the glacier, and then climb 
up to the block and tackle 
and take hold of the rope 
and pull the sled up, and 
so you continue until all 
your freight is hoisted. 

April 9 — Finished the 
third bench to-day. Work- 
ed from 5 a. m. to 8 p. m. 

April 10 (Sunday) — This 
is a day of rest. Glad 
of it. Nobody is working 
to-day as it is Easter. We 
had services, but not an 
egg to eat in camp. You 
couldn’t get one for a thou- 
sand dollars. 

April II — On the third 
bench at last, (a bench is 
another rise on the moun- 
tain). We are now living 
and sleeping on a glacier 
— nothing but snow and 
ice. We are working as 
hard as one can to get off 
from it, as it thaws in 
summer and gets so soft 
that it is then impossible 
to travel over it. 


202 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


April 12 — Blowing hard 
outside. Getting into a 
winter climate again, as we 
are going up, up, all the 
time. Think it will take us 
about three weeks to get 
over the pass. Then we 
shall be all right. Took 
one load of about 150 
pounds to the foot of the 
fourth bench, which is 
about 1,500 feet above the 
sea. One of our neighbors 
got tired to-day, so he hired 
a man to take up a thou>- 
sand pounds for him at 7 
cents a pound — $70. What 
do you think of that? A 
bale of hay here costs $5 
(about 65 pounds), whiskey 
$1.25 a pint, herring 75c a 
dozem Mr. Griffin bought 
a pair of leather pants for 
$4 of a fellow that got sick 
of his job. He didn’t need 
them, but the price was 
cheap and the poor fellow 
wanted to go home. There 
is a schooner in the bay 
with 150 more gold seekers. 
The last fresh meat we had 
was when we left the boat 
and that was not very fresh. 
I wouldn’t mind a dish of 
boarding house hash just 
now, and I’d give a dollar 
for an. egg. 

April 13 — Started out this 


morning with a load of pro- 
visions and got caught in 
a blizzard about three miles 
from camp. Such tugging 
and pulling you never saw. 
Talk about cruelty to ani- 
mals in the city, they ought 
to have had our job. It 
took us four hours to go 
five miles. But we got 
back to our 8x10 home all 
right. There’s hardly room 
to turn around — four men 
to sleep, eat and cook. 
Started out again in the 
afternoon but it stormed so 
hard that after we went 
about a mile we had to 
leave our goods (about 300 
pounds) and try to get 
back to camp. In a little 
while we could no longer 
see the trail, then we re- 
alized that we were lost in 
the mountains in a blizzard. 
Mr. Griffin got his com- 
pass, and we finally got our 
bearings, and then we felt 
our way along. Just then 
we met another fellow go- 
ing the opposite way, so we 
followed his trail and got 
home all right, but wet and 
full of snow. What be- 
came of the fellow we met 
it is hard to say. 

April,' 14 — Could not work 
this morning. Snowing 


IN ALASKA. 


203 


outside. Trail all covered 
up. But in afternoon w« 
got out in the storm and 
succeeded in getting a load 
over all right. Another 
boat landed i8o passengers 
here to-day. People are 
coming thick this way. 
They say the other passes 
are overloaded with gold 
seekers. They’d better 
hurry up as this pass is get- 
ting soft on the lower sides, 
and packing will be hard. 
Mr. Sloan is drying his 
socks on the stove. 

April 15 — Made two trips 
to-day. Saw a dead man 
hauled by our tent on a 
sled. Also heard a report 
to-day that 400 people were 
buried at Skaguay by a 
snow slide, and only about 
100 saved. We see snow 
slides here every day, but 
they are at a distance. The 
boys say that I snore so 
loud that the center pole of 
the tent shakes. Can’t help 
it. 

April 16 — Another snow- 
storm to-day. We are out 
of wood and will have to 
go back to the bench and 
get some, about seven 
miles. It took us from 7 
in the morning till 4 in the 
afternoon. Yes, we are 


getting it right in the neck 
— sleeping on snow and ice 
and' living on bacon and 
biscuit and hardtack most 
of the time. 

April 17 — This is Sunday, 
and a day of rest. Only 
one trip of twelve miles, 600 
pounds on a sled. Started 
at 9 o’clock and got home 
at 4. Had dumplings and 
bacon for supper. Tell you 
they tasted good. Going to 
move camp to-morrow. Mr. 
Griffin anxious to get 
ahead. Monday seems to 
be our lucky day, for we al- 
ways move on Monday. 
This is the third time that 
happened. Just got our 
beds in, gave them an air- 
ing. They needed it. Next 
camp we are going to have 
two tents, if it does take 
more wood. In one we’ll 
do the cooking, and sleep 
in the other. Have plenty 
of wood with us to cross 
the summit which will 
take, we think, about two 
weeks yet. Then we’ll go 
down hill to the Copper 
river. I don’t think there’s 
any bottom to the snow 
and ice here. 

April 18 — Camp moved to 
foot of fourth bench. Could 
only make one trip to-day. 


204 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


besides setting up our tents. 
I baked biscuits to-day and 
could eat them without get- 
ting an ax'C to cut them. 
Can’t write any more to- 
night as my eyes are bad 
from snow blindness. 

April 19 — Three trips to- 
day. Hard work. Mr. 
Griffin is cheerful and well, 
and is a hard worker. We 
are all getting bad eyes. 
Report here to-day that 
City of Seattle, bound for 
Skaguay, went down with 
450 passengers. The steamer 
Valencia is in port with 
another load of goldseekers. 
Sorry for them. Nothing 
but hard work before 
them. We are all in the 
same fix. Had corn bread 
for supper. It tasted good. 
In fact everything we eat 
here tastes good. 

April 20 — Two trips this 
morning. Stopped all work 
on account of report among 
our neighbors that we were 
on the wrong trail. Held 
a big meeting to consider 
the case, and find some way 
to get out of our trouble. 
I was the cook this after- 
noon and tried my hand at 
boiling dried peaches, and 
cooking evaporated pota- 
toes. My eyes still bother 


me, and I can hardly see to 
write these few lines. Mr. 
Jaenert is sawing and split- 
ting wood. 

April 21 — Moved our 
goods from the foot of the 
fourth bench to the foot of 
the summit. Now comes a 
hard job, as the fourth 
bench is about 500 feet 
high. Then we have a 
gradual rise for six miles 
to the foot of the summit. 
The mail man passed this 
afternoon, but only Mr. 
Griffin got a letter. Bought 
100 pounds of flour to-day 
for ten dollars. Thought 
we had better take it, as we 
are using our supply freely 
and are likely to be on the 
trail longer than we bar- 
gained for. Lots of the 
boys are selling their outfits 
and going home. They 
can’t stand it. Would like 
to go home myself. Storm- 
ing again to-night. Just went 
out to tighten the ropes, as 
the tent appeared a little 
shaky. 

April 22— Made three trips 
on the fourth bench this 
morning, one to the foot 
of the summit. Forty sol- 
diers have arrived. They 
are still on the beach. 
Haven’t seen any up our 


IN ALASKA. 


205 


way yet. The trail on the 
lower end is settling and 
the people that come now 
will have a hard time get- 
ting their goods over. I 
wish we were over the sum- 
mit. It rises about 
inches to a foot. 


. OUHfin»fVAL0E5 

SLRCJtR. 

ffOOO fttT. 



'llAtOES, 


April 23 — One trip from 
foot of fourth bench to foot 
of glacier this morning, 
and one in afternoon. Got 
in this morning at 8 o’clock. 
Talk about long hours, we 
get them here. The wind is 
blowing pretty hard. Just 
strengthened our tent ropes 
to make them safe. You 
ought to see our faces. The 
skin is all peeling off. Sun- 
burnt in the land of ever- 
lasting snow. We must 
wear glasses to protect our 
eyes and a handkerchief to 
protect our faces. The skin 


is coming off my nose now 
in great patches. Helped 
a poor fellow up the glacier 
with some wood. Two of 
our neighbors :old out to- 
day. One was from Boston 
and one from Nebraska. 
They were disgusted and 
discouraged with the “glo- 
rious” climate of Alaska. 
The Nebraska man had 
paid $90 to get his goods to 
foot of the summit, and 
when he saw the glacier he 
simply quit. He gave us his 
goods and told us to re- 
member him if we struck it 
rich. 

April 24 — Not working 
to-day. Never did like Sun- 
day work. Spent most of 
the day reading Living- 
ston’s Travels in Africa. 
We have only a few books 
and we read them over and 
over again. Had a great 
dinner to-day — apple pie 


206 


JAMES GRIFFIN^ S ADVENTURES 


(50c a cut), rice, beans and 
bacon. We didn’t do a 
thing to the victuals, but 
clean off the table. 

April 25 — One trip this 
morning to the foot of the 
glacier. Started out again 
in afternoon and was over- 
taken by a blizzard. Only 
got half way, and dropped 
our goods and had to re- 
turn to our little Alaska 
home. It’s humble, but oh, 
how we like to see it when 
we’re in a blizzard! 

April 26 — Found our- 
selves badly snowed under 
this morning. Could hard- 
ly get out of our tent on 
account of snow drifts. 
Hung around until some of 
our neighbors started out 
and made a trail, then we 
took down our tent, as it 
was moving day, (it’s 
cheaper to move than to 
pay rent), and headed for 
the summit. Well, we had 
an awful time, as we all had 
more on our sleds than we 
ought to have had, and 
the roads being bad, it was 
hard work. We pulled and 
groaned, and sweat and 
froze, and got there just the 
same. The next three or 
four days will be hard ones 
getting over this old gla- 


cier. Our wood is nearly all 
gone, but there is a fellow 
down at the fourth bench 
who has about seven sticks 
and wants seven dollars for 
them. Well, we must have 
them. Just got this even- 
ing to where we were go- 
ing to camp, when it began 
to snow again, and we had 
to rush things to get under 
cover. We had for supper 
pea soup, bacon, biscuits, 
and coffee. Then we made 
our beds on the ice, and 
got into them to save fuel. 
Snowing hard, and blowing 
a regular hurricane. If it 
keeps up like this all night 
we will be pretty well 
buried. 

April 27 — All snowed 
under this morning, and we 
can hardly get out of our 
tent. Wind blowing forty 
miles an hour. Can’t work 
to-day. I went out and 
could not see my hand be- 
fore my face, nor could I 
stand up. Our wood is 
gone, as wie used the last 
for breakfast, when a neigh- 
bor came over and ate with 
us. He came last night 
and forgot to bring any 
wood along. We stood 
around all day with our 
coats on to keep from 


IN ALASKA. 


207 


freezing. Mr. Griffin went 
to bed to keep warm. For 
supper we ate hardtack and 
apple sauce. Water is 
scarce’ — not even enough 
for a good drink — as we 
have no fire to melt the 
snow. It is now daylight 
from 4 a. m. to 9 p. m. 


April 28 — Storm still rag- 
ing. Had to dig our way 
out of the tent and all 
around it to keep it from 
caving in. Had to have a 
fire, so we took the handles 
of our sleds and burned 
them. Several neighbors 
came over to our tent to 



208 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


hold a council o{ war on 
the wood question. One of 
the men said he saw several 
sticks belonging to a man 
who had taken them up and 
gone back for his goods, so 
we decided to borrow them. 
We finally dug them out of 
ten feet of snow. Then we 
got up a dinner for all 
hands, and such a dinner it 
was! — cornbread, cornmeal 
mush, and corn-fed bacon 
— a regular Nebraska corn- 
meal dinner — and prunes. 
It is still storming while I 
write this, and there is no 
sign of a let-up. Spent the 
time in telling stories, and 
Mr. Griffin entertained us 
for a couple of hours. Our 
sleeping bags come in 
handy now. You ought to 
see how we look after we 
have been out in the storm 
for five minutes! It is 
awful. Never knew what a 
snowstorm really was till 
now, although I have seen 
some bad ones in the states. 

April 29 — The same old 
chestnut — had to dig our 
way out of the tent, and 
then dig out the tent to 
keep it from caving in on 
us, as the snow on top of 
it was too much for it. Had 
a late breakfast. A horse 


belonging to one of our 
neighbors died last night 
from the chills, he said. I 
guess it was from starva- 
tion and thirst. He was 
offered $370 for him a 
couple of days before. 
Three days now since the 
storm started, and it is still 
howling. We cleaned all 
our guns to-day as they 
were getting rusty, and did 
some mending. Did a lot 
of shoveling again to-day. 
Looks as if our tent would 
yet cave in. All that we 
can see of our neighbors is 
the tent poles. We are the 
highest up of all in the 
“village” and we can look 
down on the other tents. 
One poor fellow was here 
to-day and wanted to get a 
few hardtacks. He said he 
could not find his cache. 
We gave him about a doz- 
en. Two men came down 
from the glacier to-day up 
to their arms in the soft 
snow. They had been up 
to their cache to get some- 
thing to eat. There will be 
a hard time in this old town 
if the storm does not let up 
soon. The others have 
gone to bed, but we have 
concluded that one had bet- 
ter stay up all night to 




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PART OF THIRD BENCH ON GLACIER.-^<?^ page 201. 



IN ALASKA. 


209 


watch, as the storm is a 
fright. 

April 30“ — All alive still. 
The tent had sagged so 
from the snow on top that 
the b'oys had to put their 
clothes on lying down. Had 
to shovel our tent out of 
the snow and it was 12 
o’clock before we could get 
a fire for our breakfast. 
Have only enough wood 
for one more meal. This 
makes ninety-six hours 
straight of blizzard. Not a 
stroke of work since last 
Tuesday evening except to 
shovel snow. Everybody in 
camp is doubling up so as 
to save wood. Most of 
them are living on one meal 
a day. Mr. Jaenert just 
went out and got a piece of 
horse meat for Mr. Griffin’s 
dog, Fido, the first meat 
the dog had in Alaska. Still 
snowing and blowing, and 
the snow is now fourteen 
feet higher than our tent, 
and we are going to 
move it higher to-morrow. 
Was just going to bed and 
had my rubber boots off, 
when I heard a snow slide 
near us, and then a cry for 
help. I got the boys out in 
a hurry, and away we went 
with snow shovels down 


the mountain, up to our 
arms in the snow. We 
soon saw that half of ouf 
town was carried away, and 
the poor fellows were 
buried in every direction. 
We worked with shovels 
like tigers and rescued 
many, and finally we lo- 
cated a man and his wife 
about ten feet under the 
snow. They were alive and 
we soon got them out. 
They told us where there 
was another tent, and I tell 
you, we did not lose any 
time in getting to work. 
We got two men out and 
they were nearly “done up. 
We gave them each a drink 
and they revived. All the 
other boys were also hard 
at work, and two poor fel- 
lows were taken out dead. 
It was a wild night and 
none of us went to sleep, 
as all were too excited. 

May I — Sunday again. I 
suppose it is getting sum- 
mer down in the states, 
while here we are sleeping 
on snow. All hands deter- 
mined to move farther up 
to-day, so as to get away 
from snow slides that are 
liable to come down any 
minute. Fifty men started 
out breaking a trail, and we 


210 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


got a tent and soni'e pro- 
visions to the summit, and 
stayed on the glacier. There 
were seven men in our tent, 
but we all slept well, as we 
were tired out. One neigh- 
bor had been on the sum- 
mit for four days alone and 
had nothing to eat but 
hardtack and snow, as he 
had no wood. 

May 2 — Snowed all night, 
and the trail is “out of 
sight” — that is we can’t see 
it any more. We intended 
to stay here all day, but 
some neighbors asked us to 
help make another trail, so 
we went. Half way down 
we met another party work- 
ing up. They told us that 
there had been another 
slide last night and the 
other part of the town was 
wiped out. We felt pretty 
blue and hurried down to 
see how it looked. There 
was no sign of our other 
tent that we left the day 
before, and the other tents 
were gone too. We finally 
located our tent and found 
it all caved in and some 
distance below. We heard 
Fido bark, and we soon got 
him out. How he escaped 
death we do not know. 
The next was to find our 


cache, and we had to look 
around an hour before we 
were able to locate it. It 
was under eighteen feet of 
snow. Got our stuff out 
and began packing it up the 
summit — fifty pounds to the 
man. It was no fun. 

May 3 — Got up at 4 
o’clock and worked like we 
never worked before to get 
our goods out of the way of 
snow slides. Got up one 
load before breakfast, and 
then got half of our goods 
half way up when it began 
to snow again. The snow 
was so wet that we got 
soaked — not a dry stitch on 
our backs. We think that 
lots of our goods are lost. 
Thousands of dollars worth 
of goods are strewn along 
the trail that will never be 
found, as they are covered 
with from ten to twenty 
feet of snow.. This after- 
noon storm passing away. 
Lots of people are walking 
around with long poles, 
looking for their goods 
under the snow. The man 
and his wife that we res- 
cued are on their way back 
to Valdes. They said they 
had seen all they wanted to 
of Alaska, and would be 
thankful if they got home 


IN ALASKA. 


211 


alive. We are working to 
“beat the band” now so as 
to get out of this country. 
About tw'enty bags of our 
provisions are lost beneath 
the snow. Found our sleigh 
this afternoon about half a 
mile away from where we 
had our goods stored. We 
are wringing wet again. 
Got home at 8 o’clock. 

May 4 — First decent day 
in two weeks. Put our 
clothes and bedding out- 
side to dry. Made one trip 
this morning before break- 
fast. A man passed from 
the Copper River. He told 
us we were all right and 
gave us lots of pointers. 

May 5 — Started out to 
look for some lost goods 
on the glacier about eight 
miles from our camp. Lo- 
cated one batch but not the 
other. I suppose they are 
a gonner. Worked all 
forenoon to get what we 
found on the glacier. Sev- 
eral of us went snow blind 
in the afternoon, so had to 
quit work. Went out again 
after dark and made two 
benches on the glacier — 
about 6o feet each time. A 
snowstorm chased us home 
about midnight. 

May 6 — Went to work at 


noon and made three more 
benches on the glacier. 
Have everything on top 
now except what is lost. 
To-morrow we expect to 
move our camp twelve 
miles down hill, where 
there is wood and water, 
and birds singing in the 
trees. 

May 7 — Took down tents, 
and packed them on our 
sleighs and said good-bye 
to the old glaciers for a day 
at least. Our goods are 
there yet. We now have 
our camp on the banks of 
a creek, and there is plenty 
of wood all about us. This 
we consider a* great bless- 
ing after our terrible ex- 
perience on the glacier. 
How I pity the poor fel- 
lows who must yet get 
over! It sounds fine to 
hear the water running by 
our door, and feel the 
good old ground under our 
feet after about thirty-seven 
days on snow and ice. We 
heard some wild geese fly- 
ing over us this morning, 
and we won’t do a thing 
to them when we get a 
chance. 

May 8 — Sunday, a day of 
rest. Mr. Griflin feeling 
good now. He said it was 


212 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


a pretty hard pull for him, 
as he is not as young as he 
used to be. Eyes are awful 
sore, and we will work 
nights for a time. The trail 
is getting soft now during 
the day. Gave all our 
clothes and beds an airing, 
as they were all damp from 
the snow and ice. We now 
have spring beds, as ‘we cut 
a lot of branches from trees 
and have our beds on them. 
The two men who died in 
the snow slide were buried 
bv their friends opposite 
our camp and are now 
sleeping by the side of run- 
ning waters. 

May 9 — Started up the 
glacier again to bring down 
a load of goods, and got 
■caught in a snowstorm. 
One of our loaded sleds got 
away from us coming down 
the glacier, and away it 
went nearly to the bottom, 
scattering things all along, 
and smashing the sled all to 
pieces. Got back in the 
evening. 

May 10 — Went to the 
summit again, in a blinding 
storm. Could hardly see 
the trail, and after a while 
we had to feel our way. 
Took us six hours to get 
there. It seems like going 


into a different world to get 
up there where it snows 
most of the time. Whew! 
how the wind did blow and 
the snow drift, and no shel- 
ter for us poor fellows. 
We would have frozen to 
death only for two good- 
hearted Germans, who hap- 
pened to be on top of the 
glacier. They rigged up a 
tent for us, put a stove in 
it and made us some coffee. 
We were too stiff to help 
ourselves. I tell you it was 
a close call for us. After 
we got warm we went out, 
loaded our sleds, and 
helped the Germans load 
their sleds and took them 
along to our camp, where 
we landed at about lo 
o’clock at night. Mr. 
Griffin was glad to see us, 
as our long absence wor- 
ried him considerably. 
Tired out. 

May II — As it is yet 
storming hard on the gla- 
cier we will take what 
goods we have and move 
them to the next camp, 
three miles from here. The 
trail is getting soft and we 
have to pull hard to get 
our sleds over it in the day'- 
time. Just made one trip 
and found out all about it. 


IN ALASKA. 


213 


We intend to work nights 
after this, as long as the 
frost lasts, which can’t be 
very long, as the snow is 
going fast along the river. 
Located a nice camp this 
morning, and I think this 
will be our last one, as we 
cannot use our sleds much 
now except at certain hours 
when the trail is frozen. 
Here we intend to build our 
boats and drift downstream 
to the lake, and from there 
to the Copper River. 

May 12 — Got up at mid- 
night, so as to hustle our 
goods forward on the sleds, 
as it is awful hard work 
packing on our backs, as 
we will have to do if we 
don’t hurry up. Got a big 
load to next camp before 
breakfast, and then another 
after. We got home by 
dinner time, and after eat- 
ing went to sleep. 

May 13 — Turned out at 
2 a. m., but did not go to 
the summit as we expected 
to do, as it looked awful 
stormy up on the moun- 
tains, It’s a good thing we 
did not go, as we saw four 
poor fellows coming down 
that had to stay there all 
night and sleep on the 
snow, with nothing but a 


piece of canvas to cover 
them. They did not know 
which way to go, so cov- 
ered themselves up and 
waited till morning. Went 
up to-day and managed to 
get our goods down all 
right. Thank God, the job 
is finished, as it was som'C- 
thing to give one a night- 
mare. 

May 14 — Got up at 3 
o’clock this morning, and 
got some goods we had 
left at the foot of the sum- 
mit, and took them to our 
old camp. As the snow did 
not freeze we had a very 
hard job of it, and we were 
very glad to get the stuff 
as far as that. Must rest 
the remainder of the day as 
we are all tired out. 

May 15 — Sunday again, 
but we got up at 3 a. m. 
and started for our cache. 
Snow still soft and slushy 
and we break in every little 
while, but we made one 
trip before breakfast, which 
we ate cold — beans, bacon 
and coffee — then started out 
again. Got back at i 
o’clock in the afternoon. 
Had to cross one stream 
five times, and carried our 
sleds, goods and all across. 
Oh, I tell you we don’t 


214 


JAMES GRIFFlN^S ADVENTURES 


have to work in Alaska! 
To-morrow I think we will 
move our tent to our 
goods, where I think we 
will be good for a month 
at least, as we are going to 
build some boats, and then 
we will have to wait until 
the river opens up. 

May i6 — The trail is now 
so bad as we go lower and 
lower and the sun warmer, 
that a man can hardly walk 
on it without falling waist 
deep in the snow. Took us 
nearly all day to get settled, 
and then we looked up 
some good trees for lumber 
to build our boats. Now 
we’ve got to cut the boards 
out of the trees. Won’t 
that be a nice job? That’s 
nothing for Alaska — every- 
thing goes here. 

May 17 — Went out look- 
ing for good trees and cut 
down three of them. Made 
a saw horse, and our saw 
mill was ready for business. 
One man stands on top of 
the log and the other be- 
low, and away we go, push 
and pull, until the board is 
sawed off. We expect to 
cut up about one log a day. 
Mail man in camp to-night, 
but nothing for me, Mr. 
Griffin got several letters 


and mailed half a dozen. 
He had to pay a dollar a- 
piece for them. Mr. Griffin 
says it looks like war with 
Spain. His letters were 
dated April 16. Another 
mail man will be along in 
a few days. 

May 18 — Hard at work 
sawing out lumber. Some 
people may think it is a 
snap — well I would like to 
have them try it. Just think 
of pushing and pulling that 
saw through five foot logs! 
My back is nearly broken, 
and if I had to keep it up 
long I’d be humpbacked 
sure. 

May 19 — It was tough to 
think of tackling that saw 
this morning as our backs 
were aching, but we just 
got at it, and after the old 
mill got well warmed up, it 
went along all right. Our 
dog Fido is on the war- 
path. He is trying to bite 
everybody. Some of our 
neighbors want to kill him. 

May 20 — Same old story 
— push and pull. Think 
we’ll be finished to-morrow. 
Hope so. You have no 
idea how hard it is to play 
your own packhorse and 
run your own saw mill, be 
your own boss, hired man, 


IN ALASKA, 


215 


chief cook and dish washer. 
Weather is pleasant and we 
work in our shirt sleeves. 
Mr. Jaenert is washing our 
clothes, and about time, 
too, for we had not had a 
change since leaving Wis- 
consin, two months ago. 
Mr. Griffin, however, had 
made several changes, as he 
has a large supply with 
him, and that is where he 
is in luck. He doesn’t like 
this delay, but wants us to 
push on to where his son 
is located. I wonder if we 
will find that crowd? Saw 
three ducks in the creek 
this morning, but our shots 
never touched them, and so 
we lost our fresh meat. It 
made us hot 

May 21 — Out early this 
morning looking for ducks, 
but they flew too high, and 
we did not have any salt to 
put on their tails. Had 
several accidents to-day. 
Gun accidentally discharg- 
ed while going through the 
timber, and a shot went 
through my partner’s shoe, 
and in crossing a creek I 
fell in and got soaking wet. 
After breakfast started up 
our saw mill and worked 
until noon. All hands 
played out so we laid off 


this afternoon. I tell you 
that saw mill is doing us 
up. Some of the boys are 
going out early to-morrow 
for ducks. Hope they’ll 
have better luck than I did. 

May 22 — Got up at 2 a. 
m., although Sunday, and 
after a tramp of about five 
hours, got home for break- 
fast. No ducks. Held ser- 
vices and took a regular 
Sunday wash and got clean 
clothes on. It felt good — 
just like a new man. One 
man in camp sold out to- 
day. The saw -mill business 
did not agree with him. 
Said he’d rather live on the 
glacier. Bought three tow- 
els, and other things. Says 
he’s going back to Los 
Angeles for his health. On 
the side of the mountains 
to-day found lots of flow- 
ers, and two kinds of ber- 
ries. Run on to a bear 
track. 

May 23' — Got a letter 
from home to-day — the first 
one. It cost me a dollar, 
but I was glad to get it. 
How we do wish for letters. 
Mr. Griffin got several 
again. Good thing he’s got 
plenty of cash. Had the 
first bread to-day that was 
raised with yeast since we 


216 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


left Seattle. The saw mill 
running to-day and are 
nearly through with the 
job. Saw three snow slides 
to-day, but I guess they 
didn’t do anybody any 
harm. 

May 24 — Building a boat 
to-day. Got along fine, 
though it is slow work. 

May 25 — We have the fin - 
est shipyard on the creek, 
and if Uncle Sam needs any 
more boats we are ready to 
bid on them — anything 
from a torpedo boat to a 
companion to the Maine. 
Several of the boys created 
considerable excitement to- 
day by coming into camp 
with three beavers, and as 
the tracks of mountain lion 
and bear were seen we are 
all getting our guns ready. 
Two men came in camp 
this evening from the Cop- 
per River. They report 
Lake Klutena is full of ice 
and slush, so we need not 
be in any hurry to get away 
from here for two or three 
weeks yet. 

May 26 — Finished one 
boat to-day, and are work- 
ing on another. We are 
going to have fine boats, 
and they beat anything 
being made here. A nice 


day and we worked hard. 
To-morrow they are going 
to start a saw mill near our 
camp, but we don’t want 
any of their lumber as it 
will come pretty high. 

May 27 — An awful wind 
this morning. During the 
night one of our neighbors’ 
tents blew over, and they 
got out in their night 
clothes to put it up again. 
Will have all the wood- 
work done on our boats by 
to-morrow and will then do 
the caulking. Two more 
men went home this morn- 
ing discouraged. They said 
the worst of the trip was 
yet before us. Awful wind 
and cold and raw. 

May 28 — To-day it was 
just a little sunshine and 
just a little rain. No ex- 
citement in camp. Caulk- 
ing our boats. Disagree- 
able weather. 

May 29 — No work to- 
day. Went out hunting. 
No luck. 

May 30 — Ran short of tar 
and had to go in the timber 
to get some pitch for our 
boats. Found plenty. Two 
men who had gone out 
hunting came in to-day 
with a bear. Great excite- 
ment. 


IN ALASKA. 


217 


May 31 — Launched our 
boats, and took down forty- 
eight bags and nine boxes 
to a cache four miles down 
the river. Hard time com- 
ing back. Two of us fell 
into the water, and had to 
swim for it. We were glad 
to get back to camp and 
into dry clothes. 

June I — Took two boat 
loads seven miles from our 
camp to-day. That boat 
business is about as hard 
as hauling on the sleds. 
There are awful many rocks 
in this river and ever so 
many bends. We had sev- 
eral narrow escapes. Sev- 
eral fellows got swamped, 
and had to unload their 
boat, patch it up as good 
as they could and keep on. 

June 2 — No work to-day. 
Glad of it, as I am very 
sore. The wind is blowing 
great guns. Some of the 
boys went out hunting and 
prospecting. There must 
have been an awful fire 
here some time, as one can 
walk for miles on fallen and 
burned trees. Hunters re- 
turned. No game. 

June 3 — Pulled our boats 
four miles mp stream to a 
cache of ours and got the 
remainder of our goods to 


Seven Mile camp. What I 
mean by pulling is to take 
a rope over your shoulder 
and drag it along. The 
current is so fast that one 
cannot use the oars. Two 
of the boys of our crowd 
fell into the water. Met a 
boat coming down and 
while we were near them 
they upset, and came out 
like drowned rats. We res- 
cued what we could of the 
goods and they continued 
on. We are going to try 
to make a trip to the lake 
to-day. The mosquitoes are 
very bad and large enough 
to eat a horse. 

June 4 — Our boats were 
full of ice this morning. 
This is a peculiar country. 
It seems to be daylight all 
the time — when we go to 
bed and when we get up. 
The sun rises in the north- 
east and sets in the north- 
west — in fact it is day all 
the time. One can read at 
any time of the night now. 
Started out this morning 
with two boat loads of pro- 
visions for the lake and wc 
got through all right, but 
some of the other boys did 
not fare so well. The bow 
of their boat struck a snag 
and swung around broad- 


218 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


side and the swift current 
rolled them over^ and 
everything went into the 
water, and one of the men 
was carried down half a 
mile before he was rescued, 
half dead. They lost nine 
bags of their goods, and 
their rifle and shot guns 
and a box of hardware. 
Going back to camp we 
picked up several bags of 
provisions in the river and 
later saw a boat turned up- 
side down on the rocks. 
The owners were on shore 
drying their clothes. They 
were glad to get some of 
their goods back. 

June 5 — Went fishing this 
morning, being Sunday, but 
got nothing. Met a fellow 
with a spear and we all 
went to the lake and se- 
cured seventeen fish. How’s 
that? My! but they tasted 
good! Just what we need- 
ed, as we were nearly 
starved for the want of a 
change of diet. 

June 6 — Made a spear 
last night and started out 
for some more fish. Got 
seven speckled beauties — 
mountain trout. We arc 
living like lords now. Mov- 
ed four miles farther down 
the river to the lake where 


we have our cache. Set our 
fish lines and got two fish, 
each over two feet long. 

June 7 — Out prospecting 
to-day — we call it hunting 
here' — climbing mountains, 
gulches, etc. Have a fine 
location right on the lake. 
Found lots of wild onions, 
and caught more fish and a 
porcupine. 

June 8 — Still in camp as 
this is a paradise. Will 
stay as long as we can. Mr. 
Griffin is down to the water 
doing some washing, others 
are prospecting a little and 
I am laid up with a sore 
foot. In cutting wood the 
axe went through my 
shoes, socks, and into my 
foot. Rigged up a sail on 
one of our boats this after- 
noon. Found an old raft 
on the beach. Just what 
we want, as our boats are 
not large enough to take 
all our goods at one trip. 
Will load the raft and then 
sail over (25 miles across) 
a-flying. 

June 9 — Caught two trout 
this morning for breakfast. 
The mosquitoes are an 
awful nuisance. Fixed one 
of our boats that leaked. 

June 10 — Caught and ate 
fish to-day. 


IN ALASKA. 


219 


June II — Broke camp 
this morning to go across 
lake. No wind, so we row- 
ed. At noon wind came up 
and helped us. Toward 
evening wind got too 
strong and we ran ashore. 
One boat tipped over but 
we got our stuff ashore and 
camped there. Whew, but 
you ought to see the mos- 
quitoes! We had to put a 
netting over our heads 
when we went to bed. 

June 12 — Had to get 
away from here on account 
of mosquitoes. Came near 
eating us up. Entered the 
Klutena River, went down 
about three miles, and stop- 
ped before the rapids. We 
were afraid to go over 
them, so we camped again, 
as it was Sunday, and 
watched to see some one 
shoot them. In a short 
time some boats came 
along and went over all 
right. 

June 13 — Shot the rapids 
without trouble this morn- 
ing, and made camp a mile 
farther down the river. 
Can’t go any further on ac- 
count of rocks and rapids. 
They call it Williams Land- 
ing. Here we must build a 
log cache for our goods, 


and pack only just as much 
as we shall need for about 
three months to the Copper 
river country, and come 
back when the snow flies 
and get the rest. 

June 14 — Went back to 
the head of the river to get 
our raft that we left behind 
yesterday. Brought it down 
and now have everything 
in camp. Took our raft 
apart and are going to use 
it to build our cache. 

June 15 — Have cache all 
finished except roof. To- 
morrow we are going to 
pack some goods tO' the 
Copper river — ^enough for 
two men for a week’s trip. 
We are going about twenty- 
five miles from here. 

June 16 — Started down 
the Klutena River with 
about fifty pounds of pro- 
visions on our backs. It 
went pretty easy for a time, 
but in an hour or so, those 
fifty pounds seemed to 
weigh a ton. It began to 
rain, so we started a fire 
below a big tree and sat 
there like a lot of Hoboes. 
Stones and dirt then be- 
gan to fall down the moun- 
tain sides, so we could 
not continue to walk along 
the bank. We had to climb 


220 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


on top and found a good 
trail. When we got ready 
to eat our beans and hard- 
tack we found we could get 
no water though it was all 
about us, but we were too 
high to get it. We spread 
our blankets on the ground 
and went to sleep thirsty. 

June 17 — Got up early 
and walked until we struck 
water, and then made our 
breakfast — mush, coffee and 
hardtack. Kept on going 
and when we got tired went 
to bed — that is, we spread 
our blankets on the ground 
and began fighting mosqui- 
toes. They are so thick here 
that they would eat a man 
alive if he had no protec- 
tion. They bit me so much 
that I look as though I had 
the smallpox. It got cold 
during the night, and as we 
only had two blankets for 
five men, we were nearly 
frozen. 

June 18 — Concluded to 
return to camp and so 
started home. We went on 
top of the mountains — 
about 1,000 feet high. Got 
home all right, but tired 
out. Mr. Griffin was glad 
to see us. He is anxious to 
get up the Copper River. 


June 19 — Day of rest, but 
fighting mosquitoes. 

June 20 — Just three 
months to-day since we left 
Seattle, and not yet half 
way to our destination. We 
have a hard problem before 
us now — twenty-five miles 
of nothing but rapids. We 
are going to put another 
bottom and sides on one of 
our boats and brace it up 
strong, and as soon as the 
water goes down put three 
months’ provisions in it, 
cover it with canvas, and 
with about 100 feet of rope 
on each end haul it to Cop- 
per Center and then up the 
Copper river. Put a bark 
roof on our cache. Four 
men sold out at auction to- 
day. They got thirty miles 
up the Copper river and got 
swamped. Bought a lot of 
stuff that we needed badly 
as this work is hard on 
clothes, and we were be- 
ginning to look like a lot 
of tramps. It is nine 
o’clock p. m. while I 'am 
writing, and it is as light 
as day. 

June 21 — Dozens are sell- 
ing out at auction, and go- 
ing home. They are sing- 
ing a song to the tune of 
“On the Banks of the Wa- 


IN ALASKA. 


221 


bash,” and some of the 
words are: 

I. 

Around my cold Alaska 
cabin lies the gold fields, 
In the distance looms the 
glacier clear and cold, 
Ofttimes my thoughts re- 
vert to cheerful scenes of 
childhood, 

And I wish that I had done 
as I was told, etc., etc. 
Chorus: 

Oh, the air is clear and cold 
around the Copper, 

It’s the same in January, 
June and May, 

Everything is not just as 
the papers tell you. 

On the banks of the Copper 
far away. 

II. 

It’s just one year ago since 
I came to Alaska; 

Since I left my darling 
sweetheart Mary’s side. 
But to me it seems as 
though it were a million. 
And from hunger I have 
ofttimes nearly died, etc., 
etc. 

June 22 — Taking one of 
our boats apart and are go- 
ing to use the boards to put 
another bottom on one of 
the other boats. A Fin- 


lander came to camp to- 
day. He undertook to 
shoot the rapids and lost 
most of his goods. He is 
going home. The river is 
running about ten miles an 
hour, which he said was too 
fa'st for him. 

June 23 — Several boys 
went to the lake (Lake 
Klutena) but the mosqui- 
toes were too thick and 
they had to come back. 
Twelve men are going 
home to-morrow. Selling 
out now. 

June 24 — Are taking it 
easy — no hurry — waiting 
for water to go down. Had 
a miner’s meeting to-day to 
settle up a partnership, as 
one of the men wanted to 
go home and he thought 
the others were getting the 
best of him. He got thirty- 
four cents more than was 
.offered him. 

June 25 — So many people 
are going back now it is a 
fright. Dozens go at a 
time. Goods are selling 
very cheap now. Nobody 
wants them. 

June 26 (Sunday) — No 
work — fighting mosquitoes. 

June 27 — Mail man in 
town to-day. Lots of peo- 
ple going home. Most 


222 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


everybody seems discour- 
aged. 

Juue 28 — Waiting for 
water to go down, so that 
we can get our boats 
through. 

June 29 — Another mail 
man in town. 

June 30 — Auction sale to- 
day — several going home. 
Sick of Copper country. 

July I — Wash day. 

July 2 — Bought a boat 
cheap — $15.00 — owner go- 
ing home. 

July 3 — Caught a salmon 
weighing eight pounds. 

July 4 — Celebrating to- 
day — most of the boys went 
down to Copper Center. I 
remained home with Mr. 
Griffin and fished. 

July 5 — More auction 
sales — boys all anxious to 
get home. Lost my car- 
tridge belt to-day. 

July 6 — People are giving 
their goods away. Nobody 
wants to buy. 

July 7 — Four men arrived 
here to-day from the head 
of the Copper River. They 
said that the indications 
were very good and that 
the trial to Tanana was all 
right. When some of the 
boys that had been there 
called them down they ad- 


mitted that they wanted to 
sell their goods and get 
back home. We can’t go 
on yet. 

July 8 — The four men 
who lied to us yesterday 
went home with a lot of 
others. 

July 9 — We’re having a 
regular picnic now — fish- 
ing, and three good meals 
a day. 

July 10 — Cleaning up. 

July II — Went to the 
lake this morning and met 
Mr. Jaenert coming down 
the river on a raft. He had 
fourteen salmon, w'eighing 
all the way from six to 
fifteen pounds. 

July 12 — Fishing with net 
and spear. Speared seven 
and caught twenty in the 
net. Made a raft and went 
a-kiting down the river. 
Got home all right. 

July 13 — One of the other 
boys brought in twenty- 
three salmon this morning, 
and we now have fish to 
throw away. We are get- 
ting ready to smoke them 
for future use. The worst 
rain of the season this after- 
noon, so I went to sleep. 

July 14 — Five men passed 
through here to-day going 
home. Three auction sales, 


IN ALASKA. 


223 


but no buyers. Had to 
give their goods away so 
as to get out of this “glori- 
ous” country. Another 
miners’ meeting to settle a 
dispute between three part- 
ners. Meeting lasted until 
midnight, but it was day- 
light all the time. Oh, this 
would be a fine country to 
kill the gas trust. 

July 15 — Caught twenty 
salmon to-day. They were 
fine fellows and averaged 
seven pounds easily. Two 
Indians in camp to-day 
and we had a great time 
with them. We got them 
to sing songs and play on 
an accordion. You ought 
to have heard the music. 
They enjoyed it. A man 
and his wife were in camp 
to-day. Expect mail man 
soon. Hope he is all right. 

July 16 — Catching more 
fish than we know what to 
do with. Smoking all we 
can. The fellows who call 
themselves the “Get There 
Co.” of Chicago, are go- 
ing home. They are going 
to change their name to 
“Get Home Co.” Some of 
our boys are weakening, 
too. Mail man in to-day. 
We learn that the war with 


Spain is in full blast. 
Hurrah for Dewey! 

July 17 — Nice day and 
not so many mosquitoes. 
Being Sunday all is quiet. 

July 18 — Caught twenty- 
five salmon to-day (this is 
no fish story), and have 
them all cleaned and salted 
ready to smoke. A corpse 
went floating down the 
river to-day. Could not 
get it, as it would have 
been death for anyone to 
go into the rapids. 

July 19 — Auction sales to- 
day. Three parties going 
home and more will follow. 
Everybody condemns the 
country and the Pacific 
Steam Whaling Co., for 
bringing them here. Mail 
man Jackson got in town 
this evening but would not 
do any business until morn- 
ing. 

July 20 — Got our letters 
this morning. A boat cap- 
sized this morning and 
most of the goods went 
over the rapids. No fish 
in net to-day. Think some- 
body is robbing us. 

July 21 — Caught a nine- 
teen pound salmon to-day. 
It was a dandy. Some men 
went through camp to-day 
singing: “We Have Seen 


224 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


Better Days in St. Louis.” 

July 22 — More people go- 
ing home. Six men just 
arrived from the North. 
They said they had been up 
to the Tanana range and 
across to Robertson River. 
No gold. 

July 23 — Auction sales 
and people going home. 
Flour that cost $20 a hun- 
dred here a short time ago 
now brings almost nothing. 
Fishing very poor. Seven- 
teen people left for home 
to-day. 

July 24 — Just as I 
thought, Mr. Peterson and 
Ed Oliver, of our party, de- 
cided to go home, and will 
leave to-morrow. Mr. Grif- 
fin said he expected that he 
would be compelled to go 
alone to meet his son, but 
I told him I would stick. 
It is Sunday to-day and all 
is quiet. Nothing to do 
now but stand around and 
fish. “Hi you muck muck,” 
as the Indians say. 

July 25 — Peterson and 
Oliver and five other men 
left to-day for Valdes and 
the States. Sick of Alaska. 

July 26 — More going 
home. Only a few miners 
going ahead, while nearly 


all the men here are bound 
for home. 

July 27 — I am now chief 
cook, and we had salmon 
for dinner. They were all 
right. Three men on a raft 
were swamped and drowned. 
• July 28 — Auction sales 
and all going home. Fish- 
ing is slow now as the river 
is going down rapidly, and 
we will soon move. 

July 29-30 — Auction sales 
and people going home. 

July 31 — Services were 
held to-day. There was a 
preacher in town and he de- 
livered a sermon. We were 
all glad to hear him. 

August I — A Mr. Hoff- 
man went out to-day look- 
ing for a bear, and found 
him. But the bear knocked 
him down and came near 
killing him. Knocked 
nearly all his teeth out and 
broke his jawbone. Doctor 
put fifty-two stitches in 
him. It was an awful 
sight. 

August 2— Met a Mil- 
waukee man named Wandt. 
He thought climbing 
mountains would be easy 
for him. He was home- 
ward bound. Weather is 
getting colder and mosqui- 
toes not so bad. Ten men 



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IN ALASKA. 


225 


just came in on the trail 
bound for home. They say 
there is not a bit of gold 
in the country. Pretty 
tough on the 4,000 people 
who came in here if that is 
true. Well, I am going to 
see it out, after I leave Mr. 
Griffin with his party. 

August 3-4-5 — D o z e n s 


going home every day. 
Everybody disgusted. Four 
months since landing in 
Alaska and only half way 
to where we intend to go. 
Mr. Griffin anxious to go^ 
so we are now getting ready 
to move forward. Guess 
the worst of it is yet be- 
fore us. 


We shall now leave the diary, but will hear more 
of Mr. Griffin and Mr. Dietrich later. 


226 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XXIIL 

A HAPPY MEETING. 

As Joe Farrell and Mr. Barry greeted each other 
warmly, James and his friends looked on with won- 
der. It was evident that the rescuer of Helen and 
Edward was an old friend of Joe’s. 

For a moment Joe was so absorbed in greeting 
his partner that he forgot about his friends. Then 
he suddenly thought of their mission and of Ed- 
ward, and he wondered if the father and son had 
recognized each other. He looked toward Edward, 
and observed that young man gazing with eager 
eyes on his rescuer, but standing behind all the 
others. 

“Say, Barry,” remarked Joe, after the first greet- 
ings were over, ‘T met your son Edward when we 
passed through Seattle several months ago. He’s 
grown to be quite a young man. I don’t think 
you’d know him if you should see him to-day. He’s 
taller than yourself.” 


IN ALASKA. 


227 


Mr. Barry at once became interested. 

‘‘How was he, Joe?” 

“Quite well, but worrying over not having heard 
from you for about a year.” 

“Too bad, Joe, but I couldn’t help it. No mail 
man ever came our way, and I was too far off to 
make the journey to any settlement to mail a letter. 
But I wrote him some time agO' and gave the let- 
ter to my partner, Albert Nugent, to mail.” 

The mention of the name of the dead man re- 
minded Joe of the sad news he had to tell. He was 
also' in a quandary how to introduce Mr. Barry to 
his son Edward, so he did just as anyone like him- 
self would do' under the circumstances. 

As all that Joe had to relate to his friend flashed 
before his mind, he became fully convinced that this 
was a providential meeting. Was it not all really 
wonderful — the chain of events from the time that 
Edward accosted Captain Hardy in Seattle to the 
rescue of Helen and Edward? 

“Say, Barry,” said Joe, feelingly, “I have some 
sad news tO' tell you. We were on our way to 
Forty-mile creek, where I have a claim, when we 
met your partner, Albert Nugent. He was very 


228 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


sick, and although we did all we could for him, he 
soon died, but before he passed away he turned over 
to us his supplies and the directions to your claim, 
and implored us to go to your relief, so we changed 
our plans, and here we are.” 

“Poor fellow,” said Mr. Barry; “he was a true 
friend, Joe, and I am sorry to learn of his death — ” 

“But I also have good news for you. Bill — some- 
thing that will astonish and delight you. When we 
met your son in Seattle, he did us a great service, 
and we concluded to take him with us — and — he’s 
— here now. The young man you rescued is your 
son Edward.” And without waiting for an expres- 
sion of surprise on the part of the father, Joe quick- 
ly called out: 

“Edward, come out here, and shake hands with 
your father!” 

Edward was flushed and agitated, and so over- 
come with feeling that for a moment he did not 
move. Then he quickly sprang forward, while 
James and the others, who had begun tO' converse 
together, opened wide their eyes with astonishment. 

Mr. Barry gave the young man a scrutinizing 
glance, and reached out his arms to embrace his 


IN ALASKA. 


229 


son, whom he now recognized. There were many 
fond embraces between the two, and the eyes of all 
were dimmed with tears. James and the others then 
came forward to grasp the hands of the man they 
had endured so much to find. 

“Mr. Barry,’" said James, “this is one of the hap' 
piest moments of my life. We were all very much 
concerned about finding you alive, especially as a 
couple of scoundrels stole the map and directions 
to reach you, and, we felt convinced, were making 
all possible haste to get here before us. We would 
have reached your claim before this^ only for the 
work of these Indians in kidnapping your son and 
my sister, and stealing our supplies.” 

“As it all turned out, that was a fortunate affair,” 
remarked Mr. Barry. “Had I not learned of the 
capture of Miss Griffin and Edward, I might have 
been dead ere this, for I believe those very rascals 
you spoke of are now occupying my cabin, and I 
intended asking you people to help me tO' again 
secure possession of my home and goods.” Then 
Mr. Barry' related his experience upon returning to 
his cabin for the gold to ransom the captives. 

“It is Captain Hardy and his partner, without 


230 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


doubt,” said James. '‘We shall be pleased to offer 
our services to you, and no further mercy should be 
shown those men. They have nO' respect for the 
lives and property of others, and they should suffer 
for their crimes. But first let us regain possession 
of the goods that these thieving Indians stole from 
us.” And James went tO' Chief Stickman and 
ordered him to proceed to the village and return 
every pound of corn meal and bacon that had been 
taken from them. The old fellow seemed pleased to 
escape so easily, and he and the other Indians made 
all possible haste tO' their huts, and in an hour re- 
turned, not only with the goods, but also with a 
hundred pounds of frozen and smoked salmon be- 
sides, which was doubtless given to pacify the gold- 
seekers. 

Then the party, now strengthened by Mr. Barry, 
returned to their cache, and there a council of war 
was held tO' decide on their future movements. 

When Mr. Barry learned that Captain Hardy had 
thrown his son from the steamer, his anger was 
great. He declared that he would shoot the captain 
on sight. And it was the general opinion that the 


IN ALASKA. 


231 


captain had acted in such a manner as to entitle him 
to no sympathy whatever. 

It was decided to convey their goods within a 
short distance of Mr. Barry’s cabin and then recon- 
noitre. If resistance was shown by the inmates, 
they would make an attack, or pick off the robbers 
when they appeared outside. 

It required several days to pack their goods to 
within a few miles of the cabin, and when this work 
was finished, James, Mr. Barry and Joe started out 
to do a little scouting. 

As they neared the location of the log hut, Mr. 
Barry went to a hill nearby tO' take an observation 
of the premises. 

He gave a scrutinizing look in the direction of his 
old home, but could see nothing of it. The cabin 
had disappeared! 


232 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

CAPTAIN HARDY AND THE CIPHER. 

Let US tlow follow Captain Hardy and his partner 
as they were pushing rapidly forward on the Dalton 
trail. They made their dogs go at the greatest 
Speed in order to reach their destination as soon as 
possible. They didn’t know but James and his 
friends would start in pursuit, and their purpose was 
to reach the Barry claim, secure what they could 
and then get out of the country without delay. 

They were not overburdened with provisions, as 
they had no intention of remaining in Alaska any 
longer than there was a prospect of securing a for* 
tune, and so they were able to proceed much faster 
than James and his friends. 

They soon came to the White river, crossed over, 
and then began to climb the mountains that rose 
higher and higher as they proceeded. They crossed 
the boundary line . between Alaska and British 


IN ALASKA. 


233 


Columbia^ and finally struck the Chusana river, 
down which they proceeded for a distance, and then 
struck across to the south branch of that stream. 
Their maps showed just where the cabin of Mr. 
Barry was located, and they arrived there one even- 
ing-, and immediately went to seek admission. They 
were surprised to find it unoccupied. They entered 
and made themselves at home. A fire was started 
and supper prepared, and then an investigation 
made of the contents of the cabin. Several thou- 
sand dollars’ worth of gold was found in a box, 
and in looking over a lot of papers a cipher was 
also discovered. That immediately caught the eye 
of the captain, who was formerly an expert in read- 
ing such writings, having been for several years em- 
ployed by the government in the secret service. 

‘‘Here is something, Jack, that may be valuable,” 
said the captain, with great satisfaction. 

Jack gave it a glance, and with a puzzled expres- 
sion on his face, remarked: 

“A lot of good that mixture of letters will do us. 
There’s not a respectable-looking word in it.” 

“Never mind. Jack; I’ll soon make sense out of 
it,” said the captain. And he sat down with a sheet 


234 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


of paper and began to dissect the strange reading. 
The letters that looked so puzzling were; 

WC VYSV VWU WTCG VD DSW LICTW- 
WG UUUY ERFIX TX WWU SFTMB ID F 
TMV IGKW, WWUC YOHBIO LWHH AQXE 
WC Q AFIKT GDHB, DBT QNWQ HMUSLB 
UUUY KRIIX, ZEGTG Q TSUVW HYFQT. 

MYQCMPB RFIUN, 
HUFEWZU, MFKO. 

It truly was a queer-looking mess, and Jack shook 
his head doubtfully when Captain Hardy began 
studying it. Captain Hardy told Jack to keep a 
sharp lookout for the return of the miner. 

While the captain was busy at the strange writ- 
ings, Jack looked over the other papers. 

^^Say, Captain,” he soon said, “the owner of this 
place is William Barry of Seattle, and I’ll wager that 
he is the father of the kid we tossed overboard on 
our way to Dyea. That accounts for the Griffin 
party coming this way.” 

“I guess you are right. Jack, and there is no tell- 
ing when those fellows will be here, although I 
thought that in losing the map and directions they 


IN ALASKA. 


235 


were thrown off the track. We’d better get a move 
on ourselves and secure what we can and leave this 
country. I think this cipher means several thousand 
dollars to us, for old Barry would not leave all his 
gold here for anyone to pick up. I think I’m getting 
it, Jack, so just leave me alone for an hour, and I’ll 
surprise you.” The captain went to work, and soon 
had several sheets of paper full of figures in an en- 
deavor to solve the problem. Finally he said: 

‘T’m getting there. Jack. This is a key-word 
cipher that has been used. I have worked out many 
of them when I was an employe of the government. 
It is supposed to be absolutely secure, but they sel- 
dom baffled me. All I need is tO' find the key-word, 
and I’ll have it in half an hour. Here’s a curious 
thing. Here are four letters,” said the captain, 
pointing to the eighth word, “UUUY,” '‘and down 
here at the end are the same letters. That almost 
convinces me that the key-word has at least four 
letters, and that they come under the two words of 
the message in the same order. Now, what word 
of four letters would be used in a cipher of instruc- 
tion twice except to tell the distance? It must 
be ‘feet/ ‘yard,’ ‘rods,’ or ‘mile,’ as no' other words 


236 JAMES GRIFFIN'S ADVENTURES 


used in measuring distance have only four letters. 
Let’s try the word ‘feet.’ ” 

And then Captain Hardy placed down all the let- 
ters (except J) with their numerical value, as follows; 

abcdefghiklmno 

1234 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 

PQRSTUVWXYZ 
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 

“Now,” said the captain, interestedly, “F is the 
6th letter, and, as J is usually omitted, only 25 let- 
ters are used; so U is the 20th letter, and 6 and 14 
are twenty, and the 14th letter is O, which should 
be one of the letters of the key-word. The next let- 
ter is E, which is the 5th letter, and 15 more added 
is U again, and the 15th letter is P, the second letter 
in the key-word. The second E in ‘feet’ is the same, 
so the third letter in the key-word is again P. Now 
T, the last letter in ‘feet,’ is the 19th letter, so it 
takes 5 to make the 24th letter (Y), and 5 is E, so 
we probably have ‘OPPE’ of the key-word. That 
doesn’t mean anything, so there must be a letter or 
two before or after those letters. Can’t you think 
of any word ol which that is a part? 


IN ALASKA. 


237 


All that explanation was pretty hard for Jack to 
understand, but the last question was more simple. 
He was thinking of many words, and kept re- 
peating “OPPE,’' and while doing sO' he looked at a 
map of Alaska that hung on the wall. His eyes 
naturally sought the particular part of the country 
where they were located, and he saw in large letters 
the name of Copper river. He was still repeating 
the letters in his mind, and suddenly saw them right 
before his eyes — C-OPPE-R. 

“I think I have it. Captain. Try Copper.” 

“Sure enough,” said the captain, elated. “Let us 
try from the beginning, and in a minute I shall know 
if we are right.” And he placed the first two words 
down and wrote the key-word under them, and be- 
gan: 


22 

3 

21 

24 

18 

2 

w 

C 

V 

Y 

S 

V 

3 

14 

15 

15 

5 

17 

C 

0 

p 

P 

E 

R 

T 

0 

f 

i 

n 

d 


“C (3) from W (22) leaves T(i9); O (14) you 
cannot subtract from C (3), so we must add 25 to 


238 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


C (3), making 28, and O (14) from 28 leaves 14 (O), 
so the first word is ‘To/ Now let’s try the second 
word. P (15) from V (21) leaves 6, or F; P (15) 
again from Y (24) leaves 9 or I; E (5) from S (18) 
leaves 13 or N; and R (17) from V (21) leaves 4 or 
D, all of which spells ‘To find’ — hooray! Jack^ we’ve 
got it!. Now, ril just copy this whole cipher and 
keep repeating the key-word ‘copper’ under it, and 
in a few minutes we’ll find all there is to be found.” 
And the captain went tO' work with the greatest de- 
light. Jack stood at his shoulder, and marveled at 
the captain’s ability to juggle with figures. It was 
not long before the words began to appear, and, 
with eager eyes and bated breath. Captain Hardy 
successively put down the following words: 

“TO FIND THE GOLD GO ONE HUN- 
DRED FEET NORTH OF THE CABIN TO A 
BIG TREE, THEN TWENTY FEET EAST TO 
A LARGE ROCK, AND THEN TWENTY 
FEET SOUTH, UNDER A LARGE STONE. 

“WILLIAM BARRY, 
“SEATTLE, WASH.” 

The two men no sooner saw the directions than 


IN ALASKA. 


239 


they took a shovel, a pick and a crowbar and started 
out to find the treasure. They were soon on the 
spot, and in a few minutes were lifting the stone that 
concealed the gold. Upon removing it there was 
exposed to view two canvas bags full of gold — in 
all some $20,000 worth. This they removed to the 
cabin, and then Captain Hardy went to bed, while 
Jack was to watch for the return of William Barry. 

As Captain Hardy saw the bags of gold in the 
room he immediately conceived the idea of possess- 
ing it all alone. He felt that it was his by right of 
discovery, for he had deciphered the strange mix- 
ture of letters. At the same time Jack Williams had 
similar thoughts in his mind. Had he not given the 
hint to the key-word, without which the cipher could 
not have been read? But both thought that there 
was plenty of time yet to dispose of the other. 
Theirs was a friendship which was but a temporary 
attachment, coming from mutual interests, and liable 
at any moment to be turned by cupidity. 

The next morning at about ten o’clock, the cap- 
tain stepped outdoors and saw William Barry, and 
the conversation previously recorded took place. 

As soon as Mr. Barry left, which they felt sure he 


240 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 

had done, because their dogs barked no more, the 
captain and his companion took what they thought 
would be useful and then set fire to the house. The 
cabin was soon a mass of flames, and, with their dog 
team, they started for the Copper river, intending 
to return to the States by way of Valdes. 

They made all possible haste, and, as a great deal 
of snow was falling, the trail they made was entirely 
obliterated, and they soon felt safe from pursuit. 







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IN ALASKA. 


241 


CHAPTER XXV. 

MR. BARRY SUFFERS A GREAT LOSS. 

Mr. Barry could hardly believe his eyes, but as he 
gazed about he recognized the dif¥erent trees and 
the pile of rocks at one side, but not a trace of his 
log cabin remained. He immediately rejoined his 
companions and informed them of the discovery he 
had made. It was evident that the cabin had been 
completely burned, and the late inmate^s, securing all 
that they desired, had gone. 

They approached carefully, with their guns ready 
in case of an unexpected attack or ambush, but all 
was still. There was nothing tO' even mark where 
the house had stood. The day previous there had 
been a snowstorm, and all was covered with a man- 
tle of white. 

Captain Hardy and his partner had evidently 
taken everything of value, and then heartlessly fired 
the building. That the former owner might return 


242 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


and find himself without shelter or food in the dead 
of winter, made no difference to them. 

“Lucky for me, Mr. Griffin, that I am not here 
alone. These scoundrels have stolen all my gold, 
provisions, and everything of value, and destroyed 
all that they could not carry with them. For down- 
right meanness that beats everything I ever heard 
of.” 

“It's what might be expected of them,” said 
James. “No/ action of Captain Hardy surprises me 
now. He appears to have a grudge against mankind 
in general, and he loses no^ opportunity to commit 
any crime, from arson to murder, to further his ends. 
A human life to Captain Hardy appears tO' be of no 
consequence. How long^ I wonder, is he to be al- 
lowed to continue in his base work?” 

“Never mind, Mr. Griffin, we’ll get to work, and 
in a couple of days can build a new cabin, larger and 
better than the old. I am sure they have not secured 
the gold I have hidden away,” answered Mr. Barry, 
hopefully. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” remarked Joe, “if they 
got that too. If there is anything lying around, 


IN ALASKA. 


243 


Captain Hardy would not pass it by. Better investi- 
gate the matter at once.” 

They returned to camp for a shovel, and Mr. 
Barry invited James and Joe and the professor to 
accompany him, and he led the way to the side of 
a high hill to the north of the cabin, and, reaching 
a big tree, he paced off twenty feet due east to a large 
rock, and then twenty feet south. They cleared 
away the snow, and in a short time found a large flat 
stone. This was removed, and disclosed a cavity, 
but instead of finding the gold he had placed there, 
he saw that it was empty! His thousands of dollars' 
worth of gold was gone! 

It was a terrible blow to Mr. Barry to suddenly 
find that all his wealth was gone. He had worked 
hard for years, prospecting, and when he did finally 
strike it rich and had secured what he considered a 
fortune, it almost broke him down to realize that in 
a moment it was swept away. At that particular 
time the life of Captain Hardy would not have been 
of much value if he had been present. 

James and Joe sympathized with Mr. Barry in his 
misfortune, and endeavored to console him by say- 


244 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


ing that they would all go tO’ work and dig out more 
gold. 

'A wouldn’t mind it so much, but I’m afraid the 
dirt won’t pan out very well any more. The bulk 
of all the gold that I secured was taken from one 
hole, and since then I have sunk several more and 
secured very little. I had intended to remain here 
until spring, and then return to the States with over 
$20,000. Now it is doubtful if I shall ever have 
enough to get back with. I had hoped to do so 
much for Edward, but now all my plans must be 
abandoned.” 

“Don’t be discouraged, Mr. Barry,” said James, 
reassuringly. “If we don’t strike something soon, 
we’ll all go to Joe’s claim on Forty-mile creek, which 
we feel sure is a rich one. It would be useless to 
think of attempting to follow Captain Hardy, for we 
haven’t the remotest idea which way he has gone. 
Let’s get to work to make ourselves a comfortable 
shelter for the winter, and then we can do some pros- 
pecting.” 

When the others learned of the new misfortune, 
they all expressed their regrets. Edward, however, 


IN ALASKA. 


245 


did not lose his cheerfulness. Had he not found his 
father? So what did he care for the gold? 

“ Toca roba, poco pensiero,’ as the Italians say,” 
remarked the professor, ‘Vhich is a motto I always 
take great comfort in, for it fits me admirably. It 
means, ‘Little wealth, little care.’ ” 

They all went to work felling trees, and while 
some were cutting off the branches, others were pre- 
paring the timber for a log house. By evening of 
the next day the four sides were up, and a couple 
of days later, enough boards had been whipsawed to 
make a floor. 

All their goods were soon under cover and the 
party well protected from the intense cold that was 
occasionally experienced. 

Then they began active operations in search of 
gold. Mr. Barry selected several places that he 
thought might give promise of yielding pay dirt, and 
fires were built, and the slow process of reaching 
bedrock begun. An examination of the dirt from 
one of the holes gave such good indications of gold, 
that work there was industriously prosecuted, and 
in a few weeks they had a huge pile of dirt and 
ground which was to- be worked over in the spring. 


246 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


One morning Joe was out early and saw tracks of 
some kind of an animal in the snow, and awoke the 
professor and Francis, telling them that if they 
wanted to gO' hunting, now was a chance. 

“Joe believes in the German saying,” remarked 
the professor, sleepily, “ ‘Morgenstunde hat Gold im 
Munde,’ (the morning hour has gold in its mouth), 
or, as we would say it in English, ‘The early bird 
catches the worm.’ Joe is certainly an early bird. 
I never see him sleeping, for he’s the last to retire, 
and the first to be up. Come, Francis, let us try our 
luck for an hour.” And they hurriedly dressed, and, 
with guns, started out with Joe to hunt for one of 
those elusive fur anirhals of Alaska. They followed 
the tracks for some time, and suddenly saw the ob- 
ject ahead of them. In a moment, however, it was 
gone, and the professor thought it was like following 
the Will-o’-the-wisp. They kept on, determined 
not to go back empty-handed. Finally it began to 
snow — a soft, clinging snow that went right into the 
clothes. The tracks became obliterated, and to 
add to their discomfort they got wet in crossing a 
stream where water was running over the ice and 
they were too far from home to think of returning 


IN ALASKA. 


247 


without drying their clothes. They determined to 
make a fire, but unfortunately, in their hurry, they 
had forgotten to bring matches. They sat down in 
wet garments on the side of a hill for protection, 
and ate their little lunch in no cheerful mood. It 
would be difficult tO' find their way back, and it 
would consume a great deal of time also, as they 
were now cold and stiff. They were in a great pre- 
dicament, wet and cold, far from home, nothing 
more to eat, and storming so hard that they could 
not travel. 

While sitting there a rabbit started to run by, and 
Joe gave a cry in exact imitation of the little animal. 
The rabbit stopped at once, and stood on its hind 
legs to look and listen, and Joe quickly shot it. The 
animal, though, was so small and so lean that it 
would not provide half a meal for one man; but it 
was something, and others might also' be secured. 

Joe had learned the cry years before, and it had 
been the means of his securing a great deal of fresh 
meat that would otherwise have been impossible to 
obtain. 

They were compelled to move about continually 
to keep from freezing, and they began to grow very 
hungry. 


248 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

OUR FRIENDS IN CAMP. 

“If the sun would only shine,” remarked the pro- 
fessor, “I’d have a fire here in half an hour,” and 
almost in answer to his remark, the clouds opened, 
and the sun was unobscured. It was not very high, 
but the professor hoped that it would be strong 
enough for his purpose. 

With the hatchet, which Joe carried at his belt, a 
piece of ice was secured, and this the professor cut 
down into the shape of a double convex lens; that 
is, one which bulges on both sides. This gathers up 
the rays of the sunlight and concentrates them 
against one spot, which is called the focus point. 
After it was properly scraped down, the professor 
put it intO' his mouth to polish it and take out all the 
knife marks. Then, holding it about an inch from 
a piece of paper, a blaze was soon started. This was 
nursed along with inflammable material until a good 


JN ALASKA. 


249 


fire was burning, and all were soon seated about its 
genial warmth. 

Building a fire with a piece of ice was something 
that puzzled Joe, and gave him a great deal more 
respect for the professor than he had ever before en- 
tertained. 

After their clothes were dried and they were thor- 
oughly warmed, they started for camp again, arriv- 
ing there toward evening. 

The other members of the party were beginning 
to get greatly worried over the absence of our three 
friends, and they were all glad tO' see them again, 
alive and well. The professor was complimented 
upon his knowledge, which had enabled him to make 
a fire and thereby doubtless save the lives of his two 
friends and himself. 

All hands now kept hard at work, except when the 
weather was too cold. They had no thermometer 
but they could always tell when it was about 
40 degrees below zero by leaving their mercury out- 
side. When it was frozen they kept within doors, 
and when it thawed out they felt safe in going to 
work again. As there was but little humidity in the 


250 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


atmosphere, the cold was more easily endured than 
in the States, or on the coast. 

One would suppose that there was no enjoyments 
during- the winter, but it is safe to say that no more 
pleasant evenings were spent in the splendid palaces 
in cities than in the humble log house of our friends. 

Christmas day found them alive to the importance 
of the great anniversary. Helen prepared a small 
tree, and brightened it with bits of lights made ot 
strings soaked in oil, and the professor delivered a 
sermon that he had prepared for the occasion. 
James recited a poem with much feeling, and Fran- 
cis did his share in entertaining. 

The New Year was also' ushered in in an appro- 
priate manner, and thus they passed the winter pleas- 
antly enough, although in Alaska, and by spring 
they had an immense pile of dirt, but it was becom- 
ing of a poorer quality right along, and so they 
finally concluded to stop and rest up until they could 
begin sluicing. 

To prepare for this work, planks were sawed out 
of trees and made into boxes, and these were fas- 
tened together like a stovepipe and placed on a slant. 
Slats were fixed across the bottom at suitable dis- 


IN ALASKA. 


251 


tances, and then the gravel and dirt shoveled in at 
the higher end, and a swift current of water let in to 
wash down the material. The g'old, on account of 
its greater specific gravity, falls to the bottom, and 
is held by the slats. Mercury is also placed along the 
slats to catch the finer particles of gold. 

This work was watched with great interest by all, 
for upon the am^ount of gold secured depended the 
success or failure of their winter’s work. 

They were all soon pleased to see that consider- 
able gold was being taken out, and the farther they 
went into the gravel, the richer it became. 

As the seals of winter were broken, they beheld 
a beauty around them that they could hardly believe 
possible in that land of snow and ice. The long 
hours of darkness now gave way to as much light. 
From their high position they could look down the 
valleys all about them. White and yellow butter- 
cups were in full bloom, and the sun shone about 
eighteen hours a day. Later in the summer it would 
sink but an hour or two and be light all the other 
hours of the twenty-four. 

It was almost midsummer when they were 
through with their washings, and they estimated the 


252 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


gold they had secured at about $40,000. They held 
a meeting to consider whether they should return 
home or prospect farther. They thought that in 
view of the poor show of securing more gold, and the 
lack of supplies, that it would be wise to leave that 
particular part of the country at least, and all finally 
concluded to start for Port Valdes and return to San 
Francisco by the water route. 

On June 6 they broke camp, and started west 
across the mountains to strike the trail leading from 
Port Cudahy to Valdes, at the mouth of the Copper 
river. Once on that trail they could go through 
Mantasta Pass, which was nearly 5,000 feet high. 
From those heights a most beautiful sight was wit- 
nessed. On one side was the Copper river valley 
and on the other the valley and twenty beautiful 
lakes and branches of the Tanana river, and thirty 
miles beyond a range of mountains. The sun rose 
at half-past one o’clock, almost in the north. It was 
a sight never to be forgotten, and probably nothing 
as grand can be seen anywhere else in the world. 
That was the verdict of the professor, who had trav- 
eled a great deal. 

“When I look at this grand sight,” said the profes- 


IN ALASKA. 


253 


sor, “I must exclaim as did Columbus when he first 
looked upon the palm-covered hills of Cuba: Xa 
mas hermosa tierra que jamas ojos vieron’ — the 
most beautiful land eyes ever looked upon.” 

The party was now going “light;” that is, they had 
nothing to- carry but the g'old they had secured, and 
this was placed on a unicycle, and enough provisions 
to last them until they could reach Valdes. Besides, 
salmon were now running up the rivers, and they 
had all the fish they wanted to eat. Helen served 
them in many ways, so that it appeared as though 
they were eating different kinds of food every day. 
Had they desired, they could have laid in enough to 
last a year, but they did not care to do so. 

The salmon were so thick in the headwaters of 
the streams as almost tO' justify the statement that 
one could cross over the water on their backs. So 
great was their rush to get up-stream that in shal- 
low places many fish were forced out of the water 
by their stronger companions, and these died along 
the banks. 

“Say, Professor, what becomes of the salmon after 
they get to the headwaters of the stream?” asked 
Francis. 


254 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


“That seems to be the end of them,” answered the 
professor, “for after they have swam hundreds, and 
perhaps thousands of miles up these rivers, and bat- 
tled with rapids, leaped the falls, and deposited their 
eggs, they pass into a swift decline. Their snouts 
change into long, hooked beaks, and their bodies 
shrink, and their once strong fins become feeble. 
They have fulfilled their mission in life, and all that 
is left for them to do is to die.” 

Game was also becoming plentiful, and one day 
James, Joe, the professor and Francis went out and 
ran across a bear. All let go at him with their guns, 
but he was only wounded, and made a dash at them. 
In his fury he rushed at Francis, who quickly got 
out of the bear’s reach. Then Bruin made for James, 
who met the big brute with drawn knife, but by that 
time Joe was ready to shoot again. As the bullet 
struck the animal he fell over, but, again getting on 
his feet, dashed blindly in the direction of the pro- 
fessor. Before the latter could get out of the way, 
he was knocked down, but caught hold of the bear’s 
leg and held on. Fortunately the animal was fatally 
injured and weak from loss of blood, and he fell over 
and expired in the professor’s hands. 


IN ALASKA. 


255 


“ ‘Fortune aids the brave,’ Professor,” remarked 
Francis. “It was pretty dangerous to hold on to a 
bear’s leg, even though he was dying.” 

“ ‘Fortes fortuna juvat/ as we say it in Latin,” 
remarked the professor, getting onto his feet; “but 
as I now think about it, I should say, ‘Fortuna favet 
fatuis’ (fortune favors fools).” 

The animal was skinned, and as much meat taken 
as could be used, and the party returned to camp. 


256 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


CHAPTER XXVIL 

GOING DOWN THE COPPER RiyER. 

James and his friends continued on leisurely, for 
they had plenty of time to reach their destination 
before winter set in. Aside from the mosquito 
nuisance, they enjoyed the trip immensely. They 
had secured quite a store of gold, and felt as though 
they could make an outing of their return trip. All 
were in the best of spirits, even Mr. Barry, who had 
sustained such a severe loss through Captain Hardy 
and his partner. 

Occasionally, when an unusually pleasant spot was 
reached, they pitched their tents and spent several 
days at a time, fishing and hunting. 

After going along the banks of the Copper river 
some distance, they concluded to build a boat, and 
float down the stream, but they soon encountered 
a gold-seeker who wished to dispose of his craft, 
which he had “roped” many miles up to where they 



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OUR FRIENDS’ ALASKA CABIN.— 5 ^^ page 245. 



HELEN SEWING IN THE ALASKA CABIN .— page 245. 



IN ALASKA. 


257 


were. They bought his boat, and started down the 
river at a swift rate. But they soon came to a dan- 
gerous part of the journey, for the Copper river was 
full of jagged rocks, and if the boat struck one of 
them with any degree of violence, there would be 
trouble. One advantage was that they were not 
loaded down, so they could handle it more readily 
than when they carried several tons of provisions. 

Joe and Francis were in the bow, with long poles, 
feeling for rocks that were near the surface, but 
could not be seen, and as these were encountered, 
the boat’s course was turned to avoid a collision. 

They had gone many miles without accident, 
when they finally came to a small rapids, easy 
enough to shoot ordinarily, but very dangerous if 
rocks and shallow water were below. The river was 
quite wide here, and the best point was selected for 
the dive. It was made without trouble, but before 
Joe and Francis were in position tO' test the course, 
they ran swiftly into a rock, which started a bad 
leak, in which the water poured rapidly. 

The members of the party had been instructed 
beforehand by James just what each should do, in 
case of any such accident, so it was only necessary 


258 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


to give orders to have them promptly obeyed, and 
without panic. 

As the water poured in rapidly, James told them 
all to get into the water and simply hold on to the 
rail of the boat, which, relieved of its weight, they 
thought would readily float. James went over first, 
and Helen followed, James grasping her arm tightly. 
The others swung themselves over quickly, and soon 
all were paddling with their arms to reach shore with 
the boat. The current was quite swift, and it re- 
quired some hard work to turn the boat’s head 
toward the shore. 

As the boat had but recently been constructed 
out of whipsawed green timber, it was not as buoy- 
ant as was expected, and the weight of their pro- 
visions, tools, gold, etc., was really moi'e than it 
could hold above water. 

All hands were working energetically to tow the 
boat ashore, when it suddenly and without warning 
sank under their hands, near a projecting rock, and 
our friends were left struggling in the water. The 
sinking was so unexpected that it pulled all of them 
under. James went down with the others, but was 
up in a second, with Helen holding to his arm. 


IN ALASKA. 


259 


Helen could swim, but her clothes impeded prog- 
ress., so James turned on his back, and, taking hold 
of his sister’s arm, made a desperate struggle for 
shore. Fortunately, all could swim, and were work- 
ing for the land. Joe swam near James and Helen, 
to render assistance if necessary, though he, as well 
as the others, encumbered as they were, found it 
about all that they could do to take care of them- 
selves. 

Joe reached for bottom occasionally with his feet, 
and as soon as he came to shallow water, he told 
James, who ceased his struggles and waded ashore. 
It was none toO' soon, for he was completely ex- 
hausted. All were soon on land, very tired, and the 
professor sat down and remarked: 

“What’s to be done now? Here we are without a 
thing to eat, without a gun to- secure anything, our 
gold at the bottom of the river, and not a blanket to 
sleep in. ’Tis said that 'misfortunes never come 
singly,’ and I guess it is true, for we are left in a 
serious condition indeed.” 

“We must recover our goods,” returned James, 
“and we must set about it at once. See, there is 
where the boat lies,” and James pointed to a board 


260 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


floating on the water. “That piece o-f board was fas- 
tened to a rope on the boat, and it now fortunately 
answers as a buoy. I shall take off my shoes and 
coat and swim back and dive down and bring up 
some articles we must have. We must get a coil 
of rope and an axe first of all. Then we must make 
a raft and raise the boat, and get out our goods.” 

As soon as James was sufficiently rested, he and 
Francis re-entered the water and swam to where the 
boat was supposed to be. James estimated the 
length of the rope and dove down about ten feet 
above stream. This brought him right over the 
sunken craft. Down he went, and after what seemed 
a long time to the lookers-on, James came up with 
the rope. Francis followed, and brought up an axe, 
which had been fastened under the starboard rail, 
to be ready in case of need. 

These articles were brought ashore, and Joe im- 
mediately began felling a lot of small trees that were 
as dry as punk, a fire having, some time previous, 
swept through that part of the country. 

A raft was soon made and securely fastened with 
the rope, and then James, Joe, Francis and Mr. 
Barry poled out to the wreck. The professor, Helen 


IN ALASKA. 


261 


and Edward remained on shore, and started a 
fire to dry their clothes. Edward had a small sealed 
match-box, so the matches were not ruined. The 
remainder of the matches were also' in sealed tins. 

The raft was soon fastened to a rock, and then 
James again dove and brought up the bow rope, 
while Francis secured the one at the stern. With 
these, the sunken craft was pulled up until it was 
raised tO' within a few feet of the raft, and then they 
began poling ashore. They landed about a hundred 
yards below where the other members of the party 
were camped, and within an hour or two of the time 
the boat sunk, they had it on shore, free of water. 
Some of their provisions were ruined by exposure 
to water, but the loss was trifling. The boat was 
soon patched up, and the next day saw them contin- 
uing on their journey, none the worse for their ex- 
perience — an experience that might have proven 
serious indeed, had not the party been composed of 
men equal to almost any occasion. 

They continued on without further accident, and 
on Aug. 7 they reached Copper Center. 

Everybody here seemed tO' be anxious to go 


262 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


home, and they learned that hundreds of disgusted 
gold-seekers had already departed. 

While James and Joe were walking together on 
the day of their arrival, James suddenly grasped Joe 
by the arm so tightly as to cause him to give a cry 
of pain. 

^‘Joe, look there! Who is that man walking along 
the trail?” asked James, greatly agitated. 

Joe looked in the direction indicated. 

'‘Good heavens, James, that is your father or his 
ghost! Call him, James, quick!” 

James attempted to* cry out, but for once he was 
too much affected to utter a sound. He could only 
stand and watch the man walk on until he was lost 
to view behind a rise of the ground. Then James 
recovered himself and started at a rapid pace to fol- 
low the man that looked so much like his father. 
Joe kept at James’ heels, and his wonder was very 
great. 

If that was Mr. Griffin, how came he here? They 
supposed that he was in Europe or at least in San 
FranciscO'. That he would go to Alaska and en- 
deavor to meet his son there, was almost beyond 
belief. 


IN ALASKA. 


263 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

A STARTLING DISCOVERY. 

But James and Joe were determined to find out 
who the man could be. When James again came 
within sight of the familiar figure, he hallooed to 
attract his attention. Mr. Griffin, for it really was 
James’ father, stopped and looked about. He soon 
recognized James and Joe, and rushed forward to 
meet them! 

James also' was eager to embrace his father, and 
the meeting was as much a surprise to James as 
when he met his dear parent on a South Sea Island 
six years before, after ten years’ separation. 

Mr. Griffin also shook hands cordially with Joe^ 
whom he had not seen for several years. 

'‘How came you here, father?” asked James, after 
the first greetings were over, and after Mr. Griffin 
had been informed of Helen’s good health, and had 
told James about his mother. "And how in the 


264 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


world did you happen to meet us here? I supposed 
you were yet in Europe.” 

“As soon as I had received your letter, James, 
telling- of your intention to go tO' the Copper river 
country, I was seized with a desire tO' meet you here, 
but we were delayed so long that I almost feared 
you would be gone by the time I arrived at the place 
you indicated on the map you sent to me. Luckily 
we met here, for I was getting ready tO' push for- 
ward.” 

Just then Mr. Dietrich came along, and Mr. Grif- 
fin introduced him to James and Joe. 

Mr. Dietrich now realized that he was to lose his 
traveling companion, and he expressed regret at the 
thought of parting. 

All four repaired to camp, and Mr. Griffin was 
eager to meet his daughter Helen, after over a year’s 
separation. 

Mr. Griffin remained back some distance, so that 
James could first inform Helen of the good news. 

“What do you think, Helen, I just learned that 
father left San Francisco last March to come to meet 
us. He will soon be here, sound and well.” 


IN ALASKA. 


265 


'‘Oh, James, where is he?” asked Helen, anx- 
iously. "From whom did you hear of father?” 

"That gentleman over there, talking with Joe, 
says father is with him, and is only a short distance 
from here.” 

"Oh, let us go to him at once,” cried Helen, joy- 
ously, and, taking James’ arm, they went to> where 
Mr. Grijfhn was waiting. Tears were in the eyes of 
all, as Helen and her father fondly clasped each 
other in their arms, and exchanged loving kisses. 

Then Mr. Griffin, with James and Helen on each 
side of him, came intO' camp, and was cordially 
greeted by the professor and Francis, and he was 
then introduced to Mr. Barry and Edward. 

There was nothing now lacking tO' make their hap- 
piness complete. A mail man was getting ready to 
go to Valdes, and Mr. Griffin, James and Helen hur- 
riedly wrote letters to Mrs. Griffin in San Francisco-. 

The remainder of the day was spent in relating 
incidents of their Alaskan experiences, and for sup- 
per Helen prepared one of the finest meals ever 
eaten in the Copper river country. Never did people 
sit around a more cheerful board than on that 
August evening in Alaska. 


266 JAMES GRIFFlN^S ADVENTURES 


“There’s an old German saying,” remarked the 
professor, “that tells us: ‘Reichthum gleicht dem 
Seewasser, je mehr man davon trinkt, desto dur- 
stiger wird man,’ (Wealth is like sea water, the more 
you drink of it, the thirstier you become), which is 
a mistake, for I do not think you will find a more 
contented lot of people on earth than ourselves at 
this time. We have endured a great deal to get 
those few bags of gold, but the Italians say: ‘Chi 
non s’ arrischia, non guadagna/ or, as we say it in 
English, ‘Nothing venture, nothing have.’ How- 
ever, if Captain Hardy had been more fortunate, or 
we less so, we might now be all dead or worse of! 
financially than when we started on our trip.” 

“I wonder what has become of Captain Hardy?” 
remarked James, as he thought of his evil work dur- 
ing the past year. 

“Back to the States, no- doubt, having a good 
time with Mr. Barry’s gold,” remarked Joe. 

“Never mind,” returned the professor, “I cannot 
but think that Captain Hardy has come to an un- 
timely end. He started out on a long and danger- 
ous journey in the dead of winter, and I wouldn’t be 


IN ALASKA. 


267 


surprised if he was overtaken in some storm and suc- 
cumbed to the cold.” 

“If he attempted tO' cross the glaciers last winter,” 
said Mr. Dietrich, “he must have had a hard time of 
it, for it was bad enough in spring when we came 
over.” 

“Never mind Captain Hardy,” remarked Mr. 
Barry. “I always believe God arranges all things 
wisely, and if I am never again to see the gold that 
was stolen, I shall consider that I am better off with- 
out it.” 

Here the subject was changed by Mr. Grifihn ask- 
ing Mr. Dietrich about his future intentions. 

“Oh, I shall see this venture through to the end. 
Even though I must go alone, I shall continue on 
and try my luck in the places where gold is supposed 
to exist. I am sorry to lose your company, Mr. 
Griffin, but I think three of us will push on to-mor- 
row.” 

As they broke up for the evening, several of our 
friends accompanied Mr. Dietrich to his camp tO' get 
Mr. Griffin’s goods, and then good-byes were said, 
and they parted. Mr. Griffin was greatly pleased at 
the idea of returning, as he had had nearly half a 


268 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


year of as hard experiences as any man would care 
to endure. He could now act as guide tO' the party 
in returning over the trail to Valdes. 

Our friends soon returned up the Klutena river to 
Klutena lake, and continued on down the trail. 

Mr. Griffin pointed out to James many points of 
interest, and told of his experiences. One day they 
came to* a lot of spruce trees that were cut off about 
twenty-five feet from the ground. All the members 
of the party were puzzled as to how and why it 
had been done. Mr. Griffin also looked with won- 
der for a moment, then he said: 

''Those are the very trees we felled several months 
ago. At that time we cut them off right at our feet. 
Can any of you guess why they are now so high from 
the ground?” 

"They could not have grown that high, at any 
rate,” said the professor, with confidence. 

The others were completely nonplussed, and 
waited for the explanation. 

"When we cut those trees,” said Mr. Griffin, in 
answer to the inquiring looks, "there was a great 
deal of snow on the ground, and those 'stumps’ show 
just how high the snow really was. There can be no 


IN ALASKA. 


269 


exaggeration about it, for the trees themselves tell 
the whole story.” 

Finally they came to the glaciers, over which they 
must again pass. It was already becoming cold, but 
the trail was yet soft during the daytime. 

Two sleds were soon built and their goods placed 
thereon, and the weary journey over the snow and 
ice was begun. 

They had struggled up several thousand feet when 
they were overtaken by a snowstorm. The trail here 
made a turn, and our party got lost on the track in 
the blinding snow, so they decided to set up their 
tents and gO' into camp until clear weather came 
again. 

While clearing a place of snow to set up their 
tents, their shovels struck against a sled, and they 
concluded that it was part of the outfit of some gold- 
seeker, and that he had either died or his tent and 
goods had been caught in a snow-slide some time 
previous. They hurriedly set up their tents and 
started a fire with the wood they had taken with 
them, and soon all were warmed up. 

James then went out to further investigate, and 
soon struck the remains of a tent that was lying on 


270 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


the ground. He cleared away more snow with his 
shovel, and saw that the tent had at some time fallen 
over, covering a lot of provisions and camp articles 
that were lying on the perpetual snow. Pulling the 
canvas back, he was horrified to see the bodies of 
twO' men lying at full length on some furs. 

Without giving the men a second look, he called 
out: ‘^oe! Professor! Come here!” 

All hands heard the shout, and, grasping their 
guns, they rushed out of the tent, for they knew that 
when James called, something unusual must have 
happened. 

Mr. Barry was by James’ side in a moment, and 
the first thing he saw was a couple of canvas bags 
lying near the two^ bodies. Pie concluded that some 
gold-seekers had been overtaken and frozen on the 
glacier, and a glance at the faces showed that they 
were in a remarkably good state of preservation. 
The canvas falling and covering everything had pre- 
vented anyone from previously making the dis- 
covery. 

Soon all were present, and Mr. Barry picked up 
one of the canvas bags of gold and uttered a cry of 
surprise. 


IN ALASKA. 


271 


''My gold, Joe, as sure as I live! I can tell these 
bags, for I made them myself! See! here are my 
initials, 'W. B/ ” 

"Then these men must be Captain Hardy and his 
partner!” exclaimed James. "Yes, it is Hardy, sure 
enough,” he added, as he again raised the canvas 
and made a closer examination. 

" ‘Niemand kann seinen Richter entgehen’ ” (no 
one can escape his Judge), remarked the professor. 
"What a terrible end after such a criminal life.” 

For some moments all looked on in silence, each 
occupied with his own thoughts. 

The greed for gold had proven Captain Hardy’s 
ruin. He had disregarded the laws and the rights 
and property of others, and now as a result he lay 
there frozen on a glacier. 

"How different his life might have been,” again 
remarked the professor. "Had he gone with us, and 
been one of us, he might have been alive, reason- 
ably rich, and happy. Of course, the road of virtue 
seems at first steep, rugged and covered with jagged 
rocks, and full of thorns and thickets, and the great- 
est care and circumspection must be exercised in 
order to advance. But if one has the courage and 


272 JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES 


stamina tO' overcome the first difficulties, the farther 
one advances the smoother the way becomes, until 
a delightful avenue is reached, when there are no 
more trials and dangers. But woe to those who allow 
themselves to be frightened by the difficulties at the 
outset, and fall by the wayside or go off into the 
other road that looks pleasant and easy at first, but 
finally leads to mountains, and glaciers, and death!” 

While all expressed sorrow at the untimely end 
of the two men, none could but realize that they 
fully merited the fate that had overtaken them. 

Mr. Barry regained possession of his gold, and 
released all claim on his own and on Edward's share 
of the nuggets and dust that had been secured after 
James and his friends arrived at his claim. So all 
were well satisfied with the outcome of their trip to 
Alaska. True, they had not secured great wealth, 
but had at least several thousand dollars each for 
their labor. 



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IN ALASKA. 


273 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE RETURN HOME. 

A consultation was held as to what to do with the 
bodies of the two dead men, and it was decided to 
convey them to the valley below, and give them as 
decent a burial as the surroundings would permit. 
The work of interment was undertaken by James, 
Joe and the professor. The remains were placed on 
sleds, and as soon as the storm blew over, the descent 
was made. As the green grass and murmuring 
waters were reached, a grave was dug, and the 
bodies placed in blankets and consigned to the earth. 

Before they left the spot where Captain Hardy 
and his partner had died, they found a grip, in which 
was a diary of the trip, and a letter addressed to 
Captain Hardy’s brother in Boston, Mass. It was 
sealed, so James felt that its contents were sacred, 
and he decided to mail it as soon as he got back to 
San Francisco. The diary, too, he concluded to for- 


274 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


ward to the dead man^s relative. There was nothing 
else of value, so all was left just as they had found it. 

Our party now pushed on over Valdes glacier to 
Port Valdes, and, while waiting for a boat to carry 
them from Alaska, they spent many pleasant hours 
with Captain Abercrombie, who was in charge of 
the government station there. 

Soon a steamer arrived, and our party, in com- 
pany with hundreds of discouraged gold-seekers, 
started for the homeward trip. Our friends secured 
extra quarters, and extra accommodations at the 
table, a luxury the majority of those on board could 
not afford. 

The return trip home was without incident, ex- 
cept that most of them had a slight attack of sea 
sickness, as the weather was stormy. As they neared 
the States, nice weather was encountered, and one 
bright morning Seattle was reached, it being just a 
year and two months since they had left on their trip 
north. 

Mr. Griffin, James and Helen were anxious to 
again reach home, as Mrs. Griffin was there alone 
and waiting tO' greet them. 


IN ALASKA. 


275 


At Seattle Mr. Barry and Edward bid them all 
good-bye and a safe journey to San Francisco. 

Edward returned to school, as it was Mr. Barry’s 
intention to give his son a first-class education. 

James invited them to come to San Francisco 
during Edward’s vacation, and he promised them an 
enjoyable time. The professor and Joe, too, had 
their reasons for being well satisfied at the prospect 
of an early return to their old homes. The profes- 
sor was now in possession of more money than he 
had ever before owned, as was also Joe. Francis, 
too, was pleased at the general outcome of the trip. 

Joe intended to return to Alaska eventually, but 
he felt able to take a rest during the winter after his 
several years’ prospecting in the Arctic regions. 

In a few days our friends left Seattle for their Cal- 
ifornia home, and it was a happy time for all. 

James and his father looked after their various 
properties, and once again, after a series of exciting 
events, all ended happily. 

[James had been home but a few months when 
he was induced to go to South Africa in search of a 
diamond mine. He had just arrived in that country 
when the deadly conflict between the English and 


276 JAMES GRIFFIN^S ADVENTURES 


the Boers began, and an account of his experiences 
there is given in the next volume. Helen and a 
number of James’ friends are with him. Four Eng- 
lish orphans, aged from six to fourteen years, will 
also be introduced to the reader.] 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES ON 
LAND AND SEA. 


By HARRY DEE. 


The First Book of the James Griffin Adventure Series. 

This book relates the adventures of James and his sister Helen 
when he was 19 years old and she only 17. 

This is one of the brightest and best stories that has ever been 
published for boys and girls. The story shows that James and 
Helen are thorough young Americans, full of energy and resources. 

It is beautifully printed and contains sixteen full-page half- 
tone iHustrations made from photographs of living people. The 
story is full of action and its moral tone is all that could possibly 
be desired. 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES IN 

ALASKA. 


By HARRY DEE. 


This story gives the reader a graphic description of the trials 
of the gold-seekers who went to Alaska in the fall of 1897, over the 
Dyea trail. Joe Farrell returns from a several years’ prospecting 
trip, and then he and James Griffin, Helen Griffin and others 
make up a party to seek for gold. At Seattle they meet Edward 
Barry, a newsbos^ and they decide to take Edward with them, as 
his father is in Alaska. 

When Mr. Griffin, who is in Europe, learns that James is going 
to the Copper River District, he decides to make a trip there and 
meet his son and daughter, and accompanies a party of gold-seekers 
from Port Valdes. A daily diary is kept by one of Mr. Griffin’s compan- 
ions for five months, which is true, and is given in full, describing 
the difficulties of crossing the glaciers and going up the rivers. 

The story is full of action from start to finish, and is sure to 
be eagerly read by all who are in anyway interested in Alaska. 

There are sixteen pages of illustrations of realistic scenes in Alaska, 
in which our party forms a prominent part, and also a number of 
photographs of views taken along the trail. 


JAMES GRIFFIN’S ADVENTURES IN 
SOUTH AFRICA. 


By HARRY DEE. 


“James Griffin’s Adventures in South Africa’’ tells of the 
journey made by James, Helen, Prof. Caldwell, Francis La Boule, 
and others to South Africa in 1899 in search of diamonds, and they 
are just in time to get mixed up with the Boer war. 'They have 
many adventures and meet four boys who prove themselves heroes 
in many a severe trial. 

There will be sixteen pages of illustrations showing our friends in 
various parts of South Africa. 


For Sale at all Book Stores ana by 

J. H. YEWDALE & SONS CO., Publishers. 

MILWAUKEE, WIS. 





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